The star forward is currently featured on the official NBA injury report as questionable due to a left ankle sprain, leaving his status in doubt for the showdown against his former team. Joining Leonard on the report are Jordan Milles, who is also questionable, while Yanic Konan Niederhauser and Bradley Beal have both been ruled out for the contest.

Leonard entered the Clippers’ previous game against the Bucks with the same designation but ultimately played and delivered a dominant performance. The former Spurs standout led Los Angeles to a commanding 129-96 victory over Milwaukee, recording a game-high 28 points to go along with five rebounds and three assists.

Is there a chance for Leonard to play tonight?

Given his questionable status, there is a legitimate possibility that Leonard could sit out tonight’s matchup against the Raptors. His left ankle injury has become a recurring issue, landing him on the injury report frequently over the last several weeks.

Clippers want to avoid Play-In Tournament

The Clippers‘ path to avoiding the Play-In Tournament is becoming a narrow one, and having Kawhi Leonard on the floor is essential to their survival. As the undisputed leader of the team, Leonard has been productive through 56 games this season, averaging a team-high 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.

However, the team finds itself in a delicated situation. Entering tonight’s matchup against Toronto, the Clippers sit in 8th place at .500, needing a strong finish in their final ten games to secure a guaranteed playoff spot.

The climb is made more difficult by the teams directly ahead of them. The Phoenix Suns hold the 7th seed at 40-32, while the Houston Rockets occupy the coveted 6th seed at 43-28. For the Clippers to move up, they don’t just need to maintain a near-perfect record down the stretch; they also need those teams to stumble significantly in their final games.

Their rhythm this season has often been influenced by who can take the floor. His blend of size and skill makes him one of OKC’s most unique offensive and defensive weapons, and his presence or absence can shift rotations and matchups.

With several starters already dealing with injuries, his potential availability adds an extra layer of narrative to a late-season contest that carries implications beyond the box score. As tipoff approaches, final decisions on the rotation and lineup beckon careful attention from analysts and fans alike.

Will Chet Holmgren suit up for Thunder vs Raptors?

Heading into Tuesday’s matchup in Toronto, Chet Holmgren’s availability remains one of the biggest question marks on the Oklahoma City injury report. The Thunder have listed him as questionable due to low back spasms, meaning his status isn’t confirmed and could shift right up to tipoff.

He joins several teammates on the injury list, with stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams already ruled out, layering another wrinkle into Oklahoma City’s rotation plans. Even if he suits up, how many minutes he logs could be limited as the team balances health and competitive needs.

Whether the All-Star big plays or not, his status has already shaped the narrative of a game where depth and matchup adjustments will be central. Raptors coaches and fans alike are tracking the report closely as the Thunder aim to maintain their strong season while navigating personnel challenges.

After publicly declaring his desire to play the final stretch of his career in Los Angeles, Paul was granted that opportunity to play with the Clippers; however, the reunion did not go as planned. In just 16 games this season with the Clippers, prompediting 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes per game, the franchise opted to move him to Toronto.

Reports indicated that the Raptors were not interested in retaining him, and he was officially waived by the franchise on Friday. Shortly after the move, Paul took to social media to announce his definitive retirement from the league.

Despite the unceremonious end, his legacy remains immense. A certain Hall of Famer, Paul will go down as one of the greatest floor generals in history, even without an NBA championship.

The former Spurs and Suns star finishes with 23,058 points and 6,006 rebounds, while ranking second all-time in both assists (12,552) and steals (2,728) across 1,370 career games.

Paul’s farewell message

In a heartfelt post, Paul expressed deep gratitude for his time in the league and the life basketball provided for him. However, the final words of his statement caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.

“This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball. As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once — most people would be surprised — I don’t have the answer lol! But, mostly I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an “NBA player” is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life. I’ve been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades. It’s crazy even saying that!! Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility. I embraced it all. The good and the bad. As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and is not for the weak. Some will like you and many people won’t. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!!).“

Those last few words suggest that Paul may not have felt fully ready to step away, harboring a desire to continue competing at the highest level until his release by the Raptors and a lack of subsequent interest from other contenders effectively made the decision for him.

However, the transition comes with unexpected news. Charania reports that Paul will not be required to report to the Raptors, meaning he won’t need to physically integrate with the team’s roster.

“The Raptors will not require Chris Paul to report to the team and could still entertain trade discussions involving him in the coming days. With this move, Toronto is now out of the luxury tax. Meanwhile, Brooklyn picks up an asset and receives cash to offset Agbaji’s salary. The Clippers clear a roster spot and save $7 million in tax liabilities,” reported Charania about the trade.

Given this scenario, it seems unlikely that Paul will don a Raptors jersey or perhaps even play his final season as anticipated. However, the next few hours could prove pivotal for both the veteran player and his new team, as trade discussions remain ongoing.

Nets’ financial gains from the deal

With Paul as the centerpiece of this multi-faceted deal, the Brooklyn Nets play a significant role in negotiations. NBA insider Chris Haynes reports that the Nets will receive a substantial financial windfall from this transaction.

“The Brooklyn Nets are set to receive $3.5 million from the Los Angeles Clippers in the three-team trade involving Chris Paul and the Toronto Raptors. There is an expectation that CP3 will be waived,” Haynes shared on his X account.

Under these circumstances, fans are left speculating about Paul’s future and how he might conclude his illustrious NBA career. Once anticipated to make a significant impact on the court, Paul now finds himself as a trade asset, possibly outside the Raptors’ plans.

Los Angeles updated the injury report and lists both LeBron James, dealing with foot and sciatica soreness, and Luka Doncic, managing a groin issue, as available for tonight’s game. Head coach JJ Redick confirms that Doncic is considered day-to-day after an MRI reveals no structural damage..

James suited up in Saturday’s loss to Portland, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in just over 32 minutes. The Lakers played that game without Doncic, and there is a real possibility that both stars sit out Sunday night as the team weighs workload and recovery.

James has played both ends of just one back-to-back this season, which came earlier this week. With the four-time champion logging heavy minutes throughout the year, Los Angeles carefully manages his availability as the team looks ahead to the stretch run of the season.

Luka Doncic and LeBron James by the numbers

Doncic averages 33.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 33.4 percent from three-point range. The Lakers hold a 20-12 record in games he plays, but they sit at 4-4 when he is unavailable, underlining his impact on both ends of the floor.

James posts 22.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game during the 2025-26 NBA season, shooting an efficient 50.8 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from beyond the arc. Even as he balances scoring and playmaking, his presence continues to shape the Lakers’ offensive rhythm.

Positive injury updates for Los Angeles

Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart are set to play after exiting the previous game against Portland with minor issues. More importantly, centers DeAndre Ayton, dealing with a knee concern, and Jaxson Hayes, managing a hamstring injury, are no longer listed on the injury report, giving Los Angeles added depth in the frontcourt.

The Lakers enter the night at 24-16 and ride a two-game losing streak. Sitting sixth in the Western Conference, Los Angeles understands that a win against the Raptors is critical to stabilize its position in a tightly packed standings race.

According to Marc Stein, the Warriors will face challenges if they pursue Davis. The Toronto Raptors remain interested in Davis, and any trade package would likely include a combination of Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl, along with RJ Barrett.

“Sources say Toronto is among the teams that has maintained trade interest in Davis, but any firm offer that the Raptors make is expected to be built around the contract of Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl alongside RJ Barrett in a Davis deal. Even if the Raptors proved willing to attach a future first-round pick to those contracts, such a deal would provide scant financial relief for Dallas,” Stein reported.

Any of these players could provide value to the Mavericks. Quickley is a versatile point guard who can score at all three levels while creating opportunities for teammates. He could step in as the team’s starter while waiting for Kyrie Irving’s return and later serve as a high-level backup, which could benefit both sides.

The Davis situation

The Mavericks’ star sustained ligament damage in his left hand during a recent loss to the Jazz. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Davis is likely to undergo surgery to repair the injury and will be sidelined for several months.

The Warriors and other interested teams

Amid ongoing trade rumors, the latest injury report initially seemed to pause speculation regarding Davis’ future. However, Charania noted that the Mavericks have reportedly resumed trade talks with multiple interested teams. If Davis is moved to a playoff contender, his return timeline could allow him to rejoin during the postseason.

Alongside the Warriors, the Atlanta Hawks have reportedly emerged as serious contenders, with the Raptors also among the foremost NBA teams pursuing Davis, according to Charania. The Warriors’ trade package may not be as favorable, creating a challenge in negotiations.

Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, Mooses Moody, and a first-round pick are reportedly the core pieces the Warriors are prepared to offer, following the precedent set in discussions regarding Michael Porter Jr., though equivalent parameters would need to be met in any Davis trade.

The postseason has long been a stage where familiar contenders return year after year, yet scattered across league history are teams whose playoff trips have become rare sightings, brief sparks in stretches defined by rebuilding identities.

For some franchises, reaching spring basketball has meant battling through unstable rosters, unlucky timing or cycles that never quite align. Their appearances arrive in short bursts.

These teams carry stories shaped by scarcity—moments of promise followed by long waits that test patience and reshape expectations. Their paths offer a different lens on NBA competition, one built less on tradition and more on the pursuit of a breakthrough.

New Orleans Pelicans | 9 playoff appearances

The New Orleans Pelicans stand out in the playoff scarcity conversation not because of a lack of talent — but because circumstance has repeatedly conspired against them. In their two decades of NBA history, the franchise has reached the postseason just 9 times, a modest number compared with most of the league.

This paltry total reflects not only a youthful franchise still carving out its identity, but also seasons brutally disrupted by injuries to cornerstone players. The Pelicans’ lore is heavily shaped by what might have been.

Zion Williamson’s tantalizing rise, marked by spectacular athleticism and alluring promise, has been repeatedly sidetracked by physical setbacks. These injury interruptions have not only kept fans on edge but undercut the team’s ability to build postseason continuity.

Even off-court decisions have proven pivotal: the high-profile firing of executive David Griffin in 2025 underscored the franchise’s hunger for structural success rather than fleeting sparks. For New Orleans, the playoff droughts feel less like failure than unfinished business.

Charlotte Hornets | 10 playoff appearances

Charlotte Hornets are among the most emblematic examples of persistent playoff struggles in the NBA. With 10 all-time postseason appearances in their history, they’ve spent far more seasons chasing relevance than celebrating victories.

Unlike some lottery teams that cycle through rebuilding phases quickly, Charlotte’s story is one of extended identity gaps. The periods between postseason pushes have often outlasted the glimpses of competitiveness on the floor.

Their last appearance came in 2016, and in the seasons since, inconsistency has plagued roster construction and strategic direction alike. This sporadic playoff presence isn’t rooted in total ineptitude but rather in their inability to string together sustained success.

Minnesota Timberwolves | 13 playoff appearances

Rarely have long droughts and electric highs been so tightly entwined as in the history of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their 13 total playoff appearances — modest by NBA standards — paint a picture of a franchise that has flirted with promise but seldom clutched consistency.

The Wolves’ greatest chapter came in 2004, when Kevin Garnett orchestrated a surge all the way to the Western Conference Finals, a run that remains a touchstone for fans decades later. Yet even that remarkable playoff journey feels almost like an anomaly within a broader landscape of unfulfilled potential.

In the years since, Minnesota has cycled through rebuilds, draft gambles, and coaching changes, each attempt reshaping expectations. While recent seasons have seen flashes of resurgence and a deeper competitive edge, the franchise’s overall playoff record still reads as a study in stops and starts, a reminder that rare postseason visits can feel like momentous breaths in an otherwise quiet history.

Toronto Raptors | 13 playoff appearances

On the surface, the Toronto Raptors’ 13 playoff appearances might place them alongside other infrequent postseason teams, but their narrative takes on added intrigue thanks to a historic twist: they won an NBA championship, a feat few franchises with similar appearance counts can claim.

The Raptors’ golden moment came in 2019, when a blend of savvy management, defensive grit, and elite two-way stars culminated in the franchise’s first Larry O’Brien Trophy. It elevated Toronto from perennial underdog to global contender overnight.

Yet outside that unforgettable season, Toronto’s playoff narrative has been more muted, with several campaigns falling short of deep runs and sporadic appearances marking their timeline. Their story underscores a unique truth in NBA lore: impact isn’t only measured by frequency but by the depth of success when it arrives.

Memphis Grizzlies | 14 playoff appearances

The Memphis Grizzlies have carved out a niche identity rooted in toughness and character, but over the course of their history they’ve only made the playoffs 14 times, a reflection of the challenges small-market teams often face against the deep pockets and star power elsewhere in the league.

Memphis’s finest postseason hour arrived in 2013, when the gritty “Grit and Grind” squad powered its way to the Western Conference Finals. That journey wasn’t just a tactical triumph, it became a cultural hallmark of the franchise.

But such peaks have been spaced out over long stretches of regular-season rebuilding and roster churn. In a league where continuity increasingly translates to sustained success, the Grizzlies have often had to restart rather than refine, making each season at the cusp of postseason contention feel like a reset as much as a chance at progress.

Los Angeles Clippers | 19 playoff appearances

In the sprawling sports metropolis of Los Angeles, the Clippers’ journey has been defined as much by perception as performance. They’ve made the playoffs 19 times, a respectable total compared with some expansion-era peers, yet their narrative has long been overshadowed by their glamorous citymates, the Lakers.

For decades, the Clippers were the epitome of the “other” LA team: perennial also-rans, draft lottery mainstays, hopeful but rarely headline-grabbing. That began to shift in the 2010s with the emergence of the Lob City era, when electrifying star power thrust them into meaningful playoff runs and energized a new generation of fans.

Yet even as the Clippers now compete regularly, their overall playoff history remains modest and uneven compared with blue-blood franchises. Their narrative is not one of perennial underachievement, but of persistent evolution: the story of a team shedding its underdog label yet still yearning for a signature postseason legacy.

Sacramento Kings | 30 playoff appearances

Of all the teams on this list, the Sacramento Kings’ story is the one that echoes through NBA lore as a testament to both history and heartbreak. With 30 all-time playoff appearances, they’ve certainly seen the postseason as often as many franchises but it’s their deep droughts between those visits that define them.

Sacramento once stood among the West’s fiercest competitors, even reaching the Conference Finals in the early 2000s. But that early promise was followed by an era of prolonged absence from the postseason: a 16-year gap between 2006 and 2022, the longest such stretch in league history.

When the Kings finally broke through that seemingly endless drought, it felt like a collective exhale from a fanbase that had endured heartbreak and false dawns for nearly two decades. Sacramento’s playoff narrative isn’t just about appearances, it’s about resilience and the emotional geography of waiting for return after return.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Lakers have ruled out Luka Doncic for tonight’s game in Canada due to personal reasons. Reports indicate that the former Mavericks star is currently in Slovenia for the birth of his second child with his fiancée, Anamaria Goltes.

This news is undoubtedly a disappointment for all Canadian fans who were hoping to see Doncic play tonight, as this would be the Slovenian’s only scheduled appearance in the country this season.

Despite the absence of Doncic, both LeBron James and Austin Reaves will be present and will be tasked with leading the Lakers tonight in search of a victory after the Suns recently snapped their seven-game winning streak.

The Lakers’ star is having an incredible season so far in his first full year with the Los Angeles franchise, establishing himself as the undisputed leader of the team. He currently leads the NBA in scoring, averaging 36.4 points per game, alongside 8.9 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.6 steals in 16 games this season.

When could Doncic be back?

There is no official information yet regarding when Doncic might return to the court, but the Lakers are currently on a three-game road trip, including a back-to-back set against the Celtics. He is expected to miss that game as well.

The Lakers will conclude their road trip in Philadelphia when they face the 76ers on Sunday, December 7th, and he is expected to be present at the Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, December 11th, to face the Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

Jarrett Allen is currently listed as out for Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors due to a strain in his right third finger, according to Underdog NBA. His absence leaves Cleveland without a key piece in the lineup for this crucial matchup.

The Cavs are coming off two consecutive wins in the NBA Cup against the Los Angeles Clippers and the Indiana Pacers, victories achieved without Allen. His presence, however, remains pivotal to Cleveland’s overall performance.

Toronto enters the game on a seven-game winning streak, currently second in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland trails just behind the Raptors, sitting at 12-6, compared to Toronto’s 12-5. This matchup will be crucial for the second seed and positioning near the Detroit Pistons.

The impact of Jarrett Allen

Cleveland is 4-0 this season when Allen scores at least 20 points, with those wins coming against strong opponents, including the Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets, all while Allen worked his way back into action.

That trend continues when looking at games in which Allen scores 15 or more points, where the Cavaliers hold a 7-1 record, with the only loss coming against the Boston Celtics in late October.

Conversely, Cleveland has struggled when Allen scores in single digits, posting a 1-3 record. This clearly demonstrates his importance to the team’s offensive flow and overall success. When healthy and in form, Allen is a cornerstone of the Cavaliers’ strategy and performance.

According to the latest NBA injury report, the Cavaliers have listed Mitchell as questionable due to left hamstring tightness for tonight’s contest against the Raptors. However, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Kenny Atkinson confirmed that Mitchell will miss his first game of the season.

Mitchell was also listed on the injury report for the previous contest against the Celtics, but he ultimately played, logging 32 minutes. However, he struggled in the 125-105 defeat, posting a season-low of 15 points, along with four rebounds and six assists.

The 29-year-old All-Star is the clear offensive engine for the Cavaliers, especially with co-star Darius Garland sidelined as he recovers from left great toe surgery. Through five games this season, Mitchell is averaging a prolific 28.0 points, 2.4, rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Another key player will be sidelined tonight

In addition to Mitchell, big man Jarrett Allen will also miss tonight’s game due to left hand finger fracture. This is a severe blow to Cleveland, who already have a roster significantly depleted by injuries.

The Cavaliers currently have several important contributors out due to injury. Both Darius Garland and Max Strus, who is recovering from surgery on his left foot, have yet to debut this season. Furthermore, Sam Merrill is also sidelined with a right hip contusion, further limiting Coach Kenny Atkinson’s available rotation.

Although there are still plenty of games left, if the Suns continue on their current trajectory, securing a playoff berth in April could be a challenge. Sunday’s matchup against the Raptors highlighted their issues, despite Devin Booker and Bradley Beal each scoring over 30 points, the team struggled whenever Durant wasn’t performing at a high level.

Durant’s frustration was evident after the loss to Toronto. Speaking to the media, the Suns’ star was self-critical, acknowledging that his performance fell short and had a direct impact on the team’s gameplay.

“We had these little spurts where [the Raptors] would go off and just go on a flurry against us. That’s usually how the game goes, they go on a 12-0 run, play good ball, and sometimes it’s hard to bounce back when teams score a lot of points in a row. I’ve got to bring it if I want us to win. If we want to win, I’ve got to be better than I was tonight,” Durant said.

Durant’s performance against the Raptors

It wasn’t Kevin Durant’s best night of the regular season. The Suns felt his lack of decisiveness, a stark contrast to his usual impact. While Bradley Beal and Devin Booker stepped up to keep Phoenix in the game, Durant failed to deliver. Averaging 26.9 points per game this season, he managed just 15 against Toronto.

Over his last five appearances, Durant has been a reliable scoring force, but he couldn’t even crack 20 points against the Raptors. Looking at other key stats, he has committed 13 turnovers in those five games, including two in this latest outing.

Durant grabbed four rebounds and missed just two free throws, but his shooting struggles stood out. He went 5-of-15 from the field and was ice-cold from beyond the arc, missing all five of his three-point attempts. The recent buzz around the All-Star Game and a packed media schedule could be taking a toll, but whatever the case, the Suns need their superstar to regain his rhythm.

Suns’ playoff push in jeopardy

The current standings paint a concerning picture for Phoenix. With only four teams below them, the Suns are watching their playoff hopes slip away. Golden State remains a direct threat in the standings, battling for a spot in the top eight, while the Mavericks and Kings are also pushing for postseason berths.

Sitting three wins behind the cutoff, Phoenix must find a way to turn things around. Their upcoming schedule won’t do them any favors, featuring a tough matchup against the Grizzlies and back-to-back clashes with the Pelicans. The Suns need to capitalize on every opportunity while hoping for a Warriors setback. If they don’t wake up soon, it might be too late.