Kawhi Leonard is back, and even though he's still rounding into form, his return has been transformative for the Los Angeles Clippers. It's been a small sample size, but early signs indicate the presence of the two-time Finals MVP entrenches the team among the Western Conference elites.

The Phoenix Suns (24-21) plays the final of their homestand against the Minnesota Timberwolves (25-21) on Wednesday.

For the Suns, they need Durant in the lineup to continue their recent hot streak. Phoenix has won three consecutive games and eight of their last 10 contests. They now sit eighth in the Western Conference standings with a 24-21 record after falling all the way to 12th in the standings.

Devin Booker led the way with 26 points, and the Phoenix Suns survived a late scare, beating the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night for their third-straight victory.

The Suns listed All-Star Kevin Durant as available to play in Wednesday's home game against the Timberwolves despite a left thumb injury.

Devin Booker scored a game-high 26 points, Kevin Durant dropped 24 and Grayson Allen contributed 18 off the bench to lead the Suns to a third straight victory. Tyus Jones scored 17 as he and Booker each hit five 3s.

The Phoenix Suns continue their three-game homestand Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers at Footprint Center in what will be their third matchup of the season. The Suns are 2-0 against the Clippers, winning both games in October at the new Intuit Dome.

San Antonio Spurs guard Victor Wembanyama has been chosen for his first NBA All-Star Game as one of seven reserves from the Western Conference. The 2023-24 Rookie of the Year is one of six players

The versatile guard is named to the Western Conference reserves; teammate Norman Powell is not despite averaging a team-best 24 points per game.

For the fourth time in his NBA career, Celtics swingman Jaylen Brown has been named as an All-Star for the Eastern Conference.

The Lakers didn't just win on Thursday night; they obliterated the lowly Wizards, 134-96. Even though Los Angeles' big game was at the hands of the NBA's worst team, a monster performance to that level is still noteworthy.