Kawhi Leonard ruled out Thursday vs. Spurs

Los Angeles Clippers SF Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out for Thursday’s game vs. the San Antonio Spurs due to foot soreness. This comes in the wake of the NBA Trade Deadline, which probably didn’t have any impact on Leonard’s status but is worth noting. The Clippers acquired Rajon Rondo from the Atlanta Hawks for Lou Williams. The Spurs bought out LaMarcus Aldridge and shipped out Trey Lyles in a deal. Leonard may just be doing that whole “load management” thing with another game Saturday vs. the Philadelphia 76ers.

So with Leonard out, let’s focus on some fantasy basketball options. Paul George ($7,800) becomes a must-play in almost all formats with Kawhi sidelined. So if you can squeeze PG-13 into your build before lock at 7:30 p.m. ET, get it done. The Clippers will also be without Lou Will (trade), Serge Ibaka (back) and Patrick Beverley (knee). Marcus Morris ($4,800) would be the way to go for some value with Leonard out.

The Clippers are favored by 3 points as of now on the road vs. the Spurs. Without Leonard, I don’t think the line will move THAT much. The Spurs are without Lonnie Walker and the Clippers should have enough to keep this game competitive. If the line shifts at all to closer to a pick ‘em, I’d still lean the Clippers after what we saw in the first game between these two teams. We could see the over/under drop a bit as well; it’s at 221 before the Leonard news.