Kawhi set to play vs. Raptors in return to Toronto

The Los Angeles Clippers released their injury report ahead of Wednesday's much-anticipated road game against the Toronto Raptors, and it appears superstar forward Kawhi Leonard is ready to go.

Barring any late developments, Leonard will play in the Clippers' annual one-game pilgrimage north of the border, allowing former teammates and Raptors fans alike an opportunity to welcome back a player crucial to the 2019 championship run. The festivities will begin in earnest with a pregame ring ceremony for the reigning Finals MVP.

Whether Leonard would actually play in his Toronto homecoming was a subject of speculation. The Clippers have relied on an injury management program similar to what the Raptors successfully deployed in 2018-19, frequently resting Leonard to minimize the strain on his body - particularly his left knee. The 28-year-old has been held out for seven of the team's 25 games so far, most recently sitting for Monday's win over the Indiana Pacers.

Leonard enters Wednesday's tilt averaging 25.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, terrorizing opponents on both ends of the floor while forming a quick bond with his new squad.

The Clippers boast a 14-4 record with Leonard in the lineup and are 18-7 (.720) overall, good for fifth in the league. Meanwhile, the Raptors aren't far behind, owning a 16-7 (.696) record despite missing veteran stalwarts Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka for a large part of the season due to injuries.