Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight vs the Houston Rockets? Latest update on the Los Angeles Clippers star's injury report (February 10, 2026)

Kawhi Leonard will not play against the Houston Rockets on February 10, 2026. The Los Angeles Clippers listed him as out on their injury report due to ongoing right knee issues, so he will miss the game at Toyota Center.The team has chosen not to rush him back. With the regular season still in progress, the Clippers are focused on making sure he is fully healthy rather than pushing him into a mid-February game.

Kawhi Leonard's injury report vs Houston Rockets (February 10, 2026)

Leonard is dealing with right knee inflammation, the same problem that has kept him off the court for several games this month. He is still receiving treatment and gradually increasing his on-court work while the medical staff tracks his recovery.His absence leaves James Harden with a larger role on offense against a Rockets team that has moved into the top group in the Western Conference.

How Kawhi's injury happened

The current issue began with a knee contusion Leonard suffered in late January after a collision with Detroit’s Ausar Thompson and Paul Reed. He has also been managing a right ankle sprain that dates back to early January.The Clippers first tried to handle both injuries by limiting his minutes and managing his schedule.

When the knee continued to show pain and swelling, the team decided to hold him out for multiple games.The organization has said this is not the same knee that required ACL and meniscus surgery in previous seasons. Still, given Leonard’s injury history, the team is being careful with his return.

How Los Angeles Clippers are adjusting without Leonard

Without Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers have relied heavily on Harden to run the offense. John Collins, Russell Westbrook, and the team’s perimeter shooters have been asked to take on bigger roles.The team has had defensive problems at times without Leonard and has missed his presence late in games. Even so, the Clippers have stayed around .500 and remain in the play-in race, helped by Harden’s scoring and a productive bench.The matchup with Houston becomes tougher without him, especially because the Rockets use length and switching on defense to pressure opposing scorers.

What this means going forward

The way the Clippers have managed Leonard suggests they are prioritizing his availability for the postseason.

While every win matters in a tight standings race, the team views his health as more important than short-term results.Leonard has taken part in on-court workouts and light scrimmages, but head coach Ty Lue has not given a clear return date. The team is expected to keep making game-by-game decisions until he can practice without pain.

What to watch tonight in the Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets game (February 10, 2026)

Harden will likely test Houston’s perimeter defense, while the Clippers’ big men must slow down Alperen Şengün and protect the paint.Also read: Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 10, 2026)Houston’s young lineup will try to take advantage of any defensive drop-off without Leonard. For now, he is considered day-to-day, and the Clippers are expected to remain cautious until he shows he can handle full basketball activity. His health continues to shape the direction of the Clippers’ 2025-26 season.