Clippers Await Darius Garland's Debut After Trade

All-Star point guard takes steps toward return but will not play Thursday against Timberwolves

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Clippers are eagerly awaiting the debut of two-time All-Star point guard Darius Garland, who was acquired in a trade that sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Garland has been sidelined with a toe injury but took part in a 5-on-5 scrimmage on Tuesday. While he will not play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, Garland is expected to participate in another scrimmage before the game as he works his way back to full health.

Why it matters

The Clippers have struggled to find consistency in their offense without a dynamic ball handler like Garland, and his return is seen as crucial to the team's playoff aspirations. Garland was averaging 18 points and 6.9 assists per game before the toe injury, providing a scoring punch and playmaking ability the Clippers have lacked since the Harden trade.

The details

Garland, 26, has not played since Jan. 14 due to a toe sprain on his right foot. The Clippers are also concerned about his surgically repaired left big toe, which caused him to miss four playoff games last year. The medical staff wants Garland to be fully healthy before clearing him to play, even though he said he was ready to 'hoop' after the trade. Coach Tyronn Lue said Garland has looked 'great' in practice, but the team needs him to 'keep checking the boxes' before he can make his debut.

  • Garland took part in a 5-on-5 scrimmage on Tuesday.
  • Garland will not play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.
  • Garland is expected to participate in another scrimmage before Thursday's game.

The players

Darius Garland

A two-time All-Star point guard who was acquired by the Clippers in a trade that sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Tyronn Lue

The head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kris Dunn

A shooting guard for the Clippers who has had to handle the ball more often since the Harden trade, sometimes at the expense of his own shooting.

Nicolas Batum

A veteran forward for the Clippers who says the team 'can't wait' to have Garland back on the court.

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What they’re saying

“He's looked great. He looked really good. Moving, going both ways, had a great pace. Of course, the shot-making is great, but as far as movement, he looked really good.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach (ocregister.com)

“We can't wait. We're doing good, we've shown some good stuff over the last two (games), but it's also been tough for us. But that kinda showed us we need him. We can't wait to have him back on the court with us.”

— Nicolas Batum, Forward (ocregister.com)

“He's been great on the court, off the court. His personality is really high. It gels with the team, and we can't wait for him to get out there.”

— Kris Dunn, Shooting Guard (ocregister.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.