Clippers face Timberwolves in crucial Western Conference matchup
Leonard scored 41 points in last meeting between teams
Clippers rank ninth in defensive efficiency, allowing 112.6 points per game
Timberwolves lead in rebounds with 44.8 per game
Clippers missing key players due to injuries
📖 Full Retelling
Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA Western Conference matchup on Thursday, February 25, 2026, at 10 p.m. EST in Inglewood, California. The Timberwolves enter the game with a 36-23 record, sitting fifth in the Western Conference, while the Clippers hold a 27-30 record and are tenth in the conference. This matchup represents an important game for both teams as they position themselves for the playoff race in the competitive Western Conference. The Clippers have been particularly strong defensively, ranking ninth in the NBA by allowing only 112.6 points per game while holding opponents to 46.7% shooting. Offensively, they are shooting 47.9% from the field this season. The Timberwolves counter with strong rebounding, ranking ninth in the NBA with 44.8 rebounds per game behind Rudy Gobert's 11.4 rebounds per game. Minnesota has also been effective from beyond the arc, averaging 14.3 made 3-pointers per game. The teams previously met on February 8, with the Clippers winning 115-96 behind Leonard's 41-point performance. In their recent performances, the Clippers have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 109.6 points per game, while the Timberwolves have been slightly better at 6-4, averaging 122.3 points per game. For the Clippers, Leonard continues his stellar season, shooting 49.4% and averaging 28.0 points. The Timberwolves will look to Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 29.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. The Clippers will be missing several key players including Bradley Beal (out for the season) and Darius Garland (out), while the Timberwolves have no injuries listed for this matchup.
🏷️ Themes
NBA, Western Conference, Basketball, Team Performance
Kawhi Anthony Leonard ( kə-WHY; born June 29, 1991) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, he is a seven-time All-Star and a six-time member of the All-NBA Team (including three ...
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada). The NBA is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada and is considered the premier professional basketball...
Leonard, Clippers take on the Timberwolves Los Angeles plays Minnesota in a matchup of Western Conference teams By The Associated Press February 25, 2026, 2:03 AM Minnesota Timberwolves (36-23, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (27-30, 10th in the Western Conference) Inglewood, California; Thursday, 10 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles faces Minnesota in a matchup of Western Conference teams. The Clippers are 17-17 against Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles is ninth in the NBA giving up only 112.6 points per game while holding opponents to 46.7% shooting. The Timberwolves are 21-17 against Western Conference opponents. Minnesota ranks ninth in the NBA with 44.8 rebounds per game. Rudy Gobert leads the Timberwolves with 11.4. The Clippers are shooting 47.9% from the field this season, 1.6 percentage points higher than the 46.3% the Timberwolves allow to opponents. The Timberwolves average 14.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.8 more makes per game than the Clippers allow. The teams play for the third time this season. The Clippers won the last matchup 115-96 on Feb. 8. Kawhi Leonard scored 41 points to help lead the Clippers to the win. TOP PERFORMERS: Leonard is shooting 49.4% and averaging 28.0 points for the Clippers. Brook Lopez is averaging 1.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games. Anthony Edwards is averaging 29.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Timberwolves. Julius Randle is averaging 20.7 points over the last 10 games. Popular Reads Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says Feb 21, 5:31 PM Blizzard live updates: Snow totals top 2 feet as wind gusts reach 80 mph Feb 23, 5:29 PM Nancy Guthrie case: Person released as search for 'armed individual' continues Feb 10, 11:15 PM LAST 10 GAMES: Clippers: 5-5, averaging 109.6 points, 42.0 rebounds, 23.1 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.6 points...
