On the brink of elimination, the San Antonio Spurs will likely have to play Game 4 of the Western Conference finals without MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard, according to coach Gregg Popovich.
Popovich told reporters that Leonard is "likely out" Monday with his injured left ankle suffered in the series opener.
Leonard has not played the past two games after he aggravated an injury by landing on the Warriors' Zaza Pachulia following a jump shot.
When Leonard originally suffered the ankle injury in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets, a source explained the club will always prioritize a player's long-term health over single games, a franchise practice that dates back to the early Tim Duncan years.