Clippers Dealing With Issues as Magic Come to Town

Kawhi Leonard questions team's championship chances as Clippers struggle to find consistency

Feb. 22, 2026 at 3:35pm

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The Los Angeles Clippers have had an up-and-down season, going from a 6-21 start to a 16-3 stretch before leveling off again. Now, they face the Orlando Magic, who are coming off a double-overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard recently expressed doubts about the team's championship aspirations, leaving coach Tyronn Lue to do damage control. The Magic, meanwhile, will be without key players Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs as they look to build on their recent win over the Sacramento Kings.

Why it matters

This matchup between the Clippers and Magic highlights the challenges the Clippers have faced this season, with Kawhi Leonard's comments raising questions about the team's direction. The Magic, despite their injuries, present an opportunity for the Clippers to get back on track and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

The details

The Clippers have struggled to find consistency this season, going from a poor start to a hot streak and then leveling off again. The team's recent trade of James Harden has left Kawhi Leonard without a high-scoring running mate, and Leonard's comments about the team's championship chances have added to the uncertainty. Meanwhile, the Magic are dealing with their own injury issues, as they'll be without standout players Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs. However, the Magic are coming off a strong performance against the Kings, where they set a franchise record with 27 3-pointers made.

  • The Clippers and Magic will face off on Sunday, February 26, 2026.
  • The Magic are playing the third game of a four-game road trip.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' star player, who recently expressed doubts about the team's championship chances.

Tyronn Lue

The Clippers' head coach, who is trying to maintain confidence in the team despite their struggles.

Franz Wagner

A key player for the Magic who is out indefinitely with a left ankle injury.

Jalen Suggs

The Magic's starting guard who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game with a back injury.

Paolo Banchero

The Magic's standout rookie, who had an impressive all-around performance in the team's recent loss to the Suns.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's over now. It's the second half, like (final) fourth of the season left, but every day is a day to grow, a day to learn and get better. So, you just got to keep looking over time and see in two weeks if we're getting better, and see what happens from there.”

— Kawhi Leonard

“I just feel confident. I just feel confident in our players. I feel confident in our coaching staff and I just feel confident in the environment, like the culture we've set. And why wouldn't you want to play to win?”

— Tyronn Lue, Clippers Head Coach

“He's a young man that continues to get downhill, created double teams, got a lot of guys wide-open looks. We've got to step in and knock those down. He attacked the basket a ton. Wasn't getting the call necessarily going his way, but I loved the way that he was attacking downhill, being aggressive in those situations.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Magic Head Coach

What’s next

The Clippers will look to bounce back and build momentum as they continue their playoff push, while the Magic will hope to get healthier and continue their strong road trip.

The takeaway

This game highlights the challenges the Clippers have faced this season, with Kawhi Leonard's comments adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team. However, the Clippers have the opportunity to get back on track against an injury-depleted Magic squad, which could provide a much-needed confidence boost as they look to secure a playoff spot.