LOS ANGELES — Darius Garland will make his Los Angeles Clippers debut on Monday against the Golden State Warriors, according to NBA insider Chris B. Haynes. The 26-year-old has been out since mid-January due to a toe injury he suffered as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers against Philadelphia. The matchup against the Warriors will take place on the second night of a back-to-back.

Clippers’ Darius Garland To Make Debut In Cross-State Rivalry
Garland’s Return Comes After Long Recovery and Major Trade Shift
Feb 22, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots the ball against LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2), forward Nicolas Batum (33) , guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) and center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (14) in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Clippers acquired Garland and a future second-round pick in exchange for James Harden ahead of the trade deadline. Garland has battled turf toe on his left foot since last season. The injury affected him late in the year and during Cleveland’s playoff run. He underwent surgery on the foot, which delayed his start to the 2025–26 season. The Clippers chose to give Garland the time he needed to fully recover before inserting him into the lineup. That patience now positions them to integrate a healthy All-Star guard into their rotation.

Garland averages 18 points and seven assists in 25 games this season. The Clippers view him as their long-term answer at point guard. His return also creates intrigue around lineup combinations. The team could get a first look at how Garland fits alongside Bennedict Mathurin and Kawhi Leonard. Mathurin has emerged as a major contributor since arriving in Los Angeles. He averages over 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in six games. Leonard missed the Clippers’ last game against Minnesota with knee soreness. However, he is expected to return on Sunday against New Orleans. That sets up a scenario where all three players could share the floor shortly, offering a glimpse into the Clippers’ evolving identity.

Credit:© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images