Nets' Star in, Clippers' Star Questionable for Tonight's Game

Brooklyn's leading scorer will be available, while LA's is questionable to play.

Jan 7, 2026; New York, New York, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks up after shot during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Brooklyn Nets will face off against a West opponent in the LA Clippers tonight, looking to get back in the win column.

Brooklyn played one of the games of the year against the Magic days ago, with some heroics from rookie Egor Demin that came up just short in overtime. Regardless, the Nets have looked much-improved over the last month, nearly even in the wins and losses column.

The Clippers have seen a similar trajectory this season, getting off to an abysmal start before ripping off a six-game win-streak from late-December to early January. While LA has suffered a few losses since their hot-streak, they'll still offer a formidable opponent for the Nets.

The injury report is sure to play a factor in tonight's contest, as it has all season for both teams. Here are the injury reports for both the Nets and Clippers ahead of tonight’s bout:

Brooklyn Nets injuries:

Tyson Etienne — Out: G League

Haywood Highsmith — Out: Right knee surgery recovery

Chaney Johnson — Out: G League

EJ Liddell — Out: Right knee soreness

Michael Porter Jr. — Available: Right knee soreness

Ben Saraf — Out: Left knee soreness

LA Clippers injuries:

Bradley Beal — Out: Left hip fracture

Bogdan Bogdanovic — Out: Left hamstring injury management

Derrick Jones Jr. — Out: Right knee sprain

Kawhi Leonard — Questionable: Right ankle sprain

Chris Paul — Out: Not with team

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The Nets get good news in the availability of Michael Porter Jr., who is dealing with right knee soreness. He leads the team in scoring so far this season, averaging over 26 points per game on 50% shooting overall.

Brooklyn will be without Tyson Etienne and Chaney Johnson due to G League assignment, as well as Haywood Highsmith, EJ Liddell and Ben Saraf due to respective injuries.

The Clippers are dealing with a myriad of injuries, as they have all season. Bradley Beal is set to miss the entirety of the 2025-26 season due to a hip fracture, and Derrick Jones Jr. has now seen a knee sprain after suffering a separate injury earlier in the season.

The biggest piece of the Clippers’ injury puzzle tonight will be Kawhi Leonard, who is questionable to play with a right ankle sprain. Leonard has been on a tear, of late, having averaged 34.1 points per game in his last eight games.

The Nets and Clippers tip off at 6:30 p.m. CT tonight from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.