LA Clippers' Kawhi Leonard to return from five-game absence against Denver Nuggets on Saturday

LA Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard will return to the court on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets.

Leonard missed the previous five games due to right foot soreness and has sat out nine of the Clippers' previous 10 games.

With eight games remaining in the season, the Clippers want to develop as much continuity as they can with their starters on the floor together before the postseason begins. Leonard had played in just one game -- against Minnesota on April 18 - since April 9.

Serge Ibaka, who was the starting center when healthy, missed his 25th consecutive game on Saturday night with a back injury.

Starting point guard Patrick Beverley missed his 12th straight game with a fractured hand against Denver. Beverley has only played in two of the last 26 games due to injuries, but Clippers coach Ty Lue said the point guard could return sometime in the next few games if he continues to progress.