Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard expected to return Sunday vs. Cavs

Kawhi Leonard is expected to return Sunday in Cleveland, according to Chris Haynes of NBA on TNT.

Leonard has been out since November three with right ankle and foot sprains and will miss his ninth straight game Saturday in Charlotte.

Barring a setback, he should play in the second half of the Clippers’ weekend back-to-back.

Leonard opened the season in strong form, averaging 24.3 points, 5.7  rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals on 50 percent shooting through six games. The Clippers were 3-3 in that stretch but have dropped eight of nine since he went down.

Despite the slide, Los Angeles remains in striking distance in the West. The Jazz hold the 10th spot at 5-10, meaning the 4-11 Clippers could rejoin the play-in race quickly if Leonard stabilizes things.

Kris Dunn initially stepped into Leonard’s spot, and injuries to Bradley Beal and Derrick Jones Jr. led to John Collins and Kobe Sanders joining the starting five.

One of them, likely Sanders, will shift back to the bench when Leonard returns.