Clippers' Kawhi Leonard misses loss to Kings with sore knee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonardmissed Tuesday night's 109-95 loss to the Sacramento Kings due to right knee soreness.

Leonard returned home to Los Angeles on Monday to receive more treatment. Coach Ty Lue said the team first learned of Leonard's right knee soreness after a 130-118 win over Charlotte on Sunday.

His status for Thursday's game against Denver, which is the start of a home back-to-back for the Clippers, is uncertain.

"We hope so," Lue said when asked at the team's morning shootaround whether Leonard will be back against the Nuggets. "We're not sure right now, but that is what we are leaning towards."

Leonard played 37 minutes and scored 23 points in the win over the Hornets on Sunday. He was sent back to Los Angeles for further treatment once the team landed in Sacramento on Monday.

Leonard is in the midst of one of his healthiest seasons, having played in 68 games this season -- his most since 2016-17 when he played 74 games for the San Antonio Spurs-- and averaging 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds.

The Clippers have six games remaining after Tuesday's loss at Sacramento, including two back-to-backs.