LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard out vs. Oklahoma City Thunder with left knee contusion

Gilbert McGregor

LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard out vs. Oklahoma City Thunder with left knee contusion image

LA Clippers All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard will miss his third consecutive game.

According to a report from ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, a lingering knee issue sustained last week will hold the 2019 Finals MVP out of the Clippers' meeting with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Leonard, who missed 22 games as a member of the Toronto Raptors last season, will now have been sidelined for five of the Clippers' first 14 games in the 2019-20 season.

When he has taken the floor, Leonard has made his presence felt, posting averages of 26.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game and has already turned in four 30-point performances.

Leonard's absence again means fans will have to wait to see him take the floor alongside his All-NBA teammate, Paul George, who has been nothing short of impressive since making his debut against the New Orleans Pelicans.

While playing just 22.0 minutes per contest, George is averaging 35.0 points (on 58.8% shooting), 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists over two games. All signs indicate that this duo will be as scary as advertised once the two are able to take the floor together.

After hosting the Thunder Tuesday, the Clippers take the floor again Thursday to host the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics.

 

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.