Los Angeles Clippers forward Norman Powell is nearing a return to the court. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Clippers' Norman Powell cleared for participation in practice

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 4/5/22

Unlike the Los Angeles Lakers , the Los Angeles Clippers have clinched a spot in the upcoming NBA Play-In Tournament. Seven-time All-Star Paul George recently returned from a lengthy injury absence for the Clippers, and now the team is hoping that a fellow high-volume scorer may be coming back to the floor soon as well.

Ty Lue says Norm Powell has been cleared to do everything in practice today. Lue says team won’t go through full 5-on-5 though today. But Powell is cleared to participate today in practice.
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) April 5, 2022

Lue later added that there's hope that Powell gets in some game action before the regular season concludes.

Norm Powell will get in a practice - although not a full 5-on-5 today - before Clippers play tomorrow against Suns. Then they will likely have a practice before playing Saturday vs Kings and Sunday vs OKC. Ty Lue would only say "hope so" when asked if Norm returns before play-in
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) April 5, 2022

Lue's squad acquired Powell from the Portland Trail Blazers in early February as part of a five-player trade, but the 28-year-old went down with a foot injury one week later. In 40 contests with Portland before being moved, Powell had been leading the team in three-point field goal percentage at 40.6% and third in points per game at 18.7.

In his debut with Los Angeles, the former NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors scored 28 points on 9-for-16 shooting, including 4-for-8 from beyond the arc.

There was also a report on two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard — who has missed the entire season with a knee injury — on Tuesday, though the update didn't provide any details on a possible return for the playoffs.