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San Antonio Spurs: Kawhi Leonard won’t play vs. Kings

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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Despite Saturday night’s game not being part of a back-to-back, the San Antonio Spurs ruled Kawhi Leonard out vs. the Sacramento Kings.

Since Kawhi Leonard returned on Dec. 12, the San Antonio Spurs kept him on a minutes restriction. Head coach Gregg Popovich never played him above 20 minutes, including sparingly playing in the fourth quarter, despite close games.

Heading into Saturday’s game vs. the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs already had a night off. Plus, it won’t be part of a back-to-back, which Leonard previously sat out one-half. So, the organization officially listed him as “probable.” 

However, before this matchup, the Spurs changed the injury report. Leonard was listed as “out” for “return from injury management.” Danny Green was ruled “out,” too, with a groin injury.

UPDATED SPURS INJURY REPORT:

Pau Gasol (tightness, right groin) is probable for tonight’s Spurs-Kings game. Danny Green (tightness, left groin) and Kawhi Leonard (return from injury management) are out.

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 23, 2017

The only upgrade was Pau Gasol. He went from “questionable” to “probable,” after missing Thursday’s game, with a right groin injury.

By giving Leonard the night off, it allows him to have four consecutive days of rest. That includes Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, before San Antonio returns to the court on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Without the Klaw, look for Kyle Anderson to receive extra minutes. Since returning from a left MCL sprain, he came off the bench, unlike the pre-Leonard rotation, which featured the fourth-year pro starting. Rudy Gay may be in line for more minutes as well.

No Green could mean another start for Bryn Forbes, who recently stepped into the starting lineup. If so, how will he perform?

Next: Top 25 players in Spurs history

Let’s see how this unfolds at 10:00 p.m. ET in Sacramento, CA.

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