The Los Angeles Clippers are getting some much-needed help on Sunday night as Kawhi Leonard and possibly Bogdan Bogdanovic are both expected to return from their recent absences when they travel to face the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena.

Leonard has missed the last 10 games due to an ankle and foot sprain, and his return couldn't come at a better time for a struggling Clippers team that currently sits at 5-11 overall after their Saturday victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

During his absence, the team went just 1-9, showing how important the six-time All-Star is to their success on both ends of the floor.

The Impact of Leonard's Return

Before his injury on November 3, Leonard was putting up solid numbers across the board, and his presence on the court made a clear difference for the Clippers' early-season performance.

Leonard averaged 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game through the first six contests of the season, helping the team win three of those six matchups while shooting 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range.

His two-way impact extends beyond the stat sheet since he brings championship experience and defensive versatility that helps anchor the team's identity.

With James Harden carrying a heavy offensive load in Leonard's absence, including a franchise-record 55-point performance against Charlotte on Saturday, getting Leonard back gives head coach Tyronn Lue more options to work with and takes some pressure off the veteran guard.

Bogdanovic has also been dealing with a hip injury and sat out the Hornets game, but he's expected to be available against Cleveland and provide another scoring threat off the bench.

The veteran Serbian guard has averaged 9.2 points and 3.3 assists per game this season while shooting well from beyond the arc when healthy, giving the second unit a reliable option to create offense.

Building Off Saturday's Win

The timing of these returns comes right after the Clippers snapped a three-game losing streak with their dominant victory over Charlotte, where Harden's historic night led them to a 131-116 win. 

Ivica Zubac also contributed 18 points and nine rebounds in that game, showing that multiple players can step up when needed.

That win improved the Clippers' record to 5-11 heading into Sunday's matchup, while the Cavaliers come in at 11-6 after defeating the Indiana Pacers 120-109 on Friday. 

Donovan Mitchell dropped 32 points in that victory, and he'll be a tough assignment for whoever draws the defensive matchup, making Leonard's return even more valuable.

The Value of a Full Roster

Getting back to full strength means the Clippers can finally deploy their intended rotation and see how the pieces fit together when everyone is available to contribute.

The team needs to make up ground in the competitive Western Conference standings, and having their full complement of talent gives them a better chance to string together some wins and build momentum going forward.

With Leonard and Bogdanovic back in the lineup, the Clippers can start to answer questions about their chemistry and potential while working to climb out of the early-season hole they've dug for themselves.