Clippers' Garland Nears Return After 5-on-5 Workouts

Injured guard Darius Garland progresses in recovery, could debut soon

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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LA Clippers guard Darius Garland has made significant progress in his recovery, participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages during practice and nearing his debut with the team. Garland has been out since January 14th with a right toe sprain and residual soreness from offseason foot surgery, but head coach Tyronn Lue said Garland "looked really good" in the scrimmages and is close to returning to game action.

Why it matters

Garland's return will be a major boost for the Clippers, who have struggled to a 27-30 record so far this season. The team has been integrating several new players, including Garland, Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson, and Garland's playmaking and scoring ability will help solidify the roster as they make a push for the playoffs.

The details

Garland participated in 5-on-5 scrimmages during Tuesday's practice and came out of it feeling great, according to Lue. While he did not scrimmage on Wednesday, he is expected to do so before the team's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. Lue said Garland "looked really good, moving, going both ways, had a great pace, and of course the shot-making is great." The Clippers are still evaluating the next steps for Garland's return, but he has been ruled out for Thursday's game.

  • Garland suffered a right toe sprain on January 14th.
  • Garland participated in 5-on-5 scrimmages during Tuesday's practice.
  • Garland is expected to participate in a team scrimmage before Thursday's game against the Timberwolves.

The players

Darius Garland

A guard for the LA Clippers who has been out since January 14th with a right toe sprain and residual soreness from offseason foot surgery.

Tyronn Lue

The head coach of the LA Clippers.

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What they’re saying

“Yesterday, he looked great. He looked really good, moving, going both ways, had a great pace, and of course the shot-making is great. But just as far as movement, he looked really good.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

Garland has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves, but is expected to participate in a team scrimmage before that game as he continues to work his way back.

The takeaway

Garland's progress in his recovery is a positive sign for the Clippers, who have struggled this season but are hoping to integrate their new pieces and make a push for the playoffs. His return will provide a significant boost to the team's offense and playmaking.