Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has been reportedly ruled out of Game 3 of the team's first-round series versus the Phoenix Suns Thursday night due to a right knee sprain.
Leonard aggravated his knee in the Clippers' 115-110 Game 1 win Phoenix, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, and played through the injury in Game 2, a 123-109 victory for the Suns. Wojnarowski reported Leonard is expected to be day-to-day ahead of Game 4 Saturday.
Leonard's injury is on the same knee he had surgically repaired for a partially torn ACL in July 2021. He may have suffered the injury on this play below.
Leonard had a valiant effort in the Clippers' Game 2 loss with 31 points on 11-of-20 shooting with eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Leonard led Los Angeles to a Game 1 win with 38 points, including two 3-pointers that stretched his team's lead to two possessions on separate occasions in the last three minutes, five rebounds and five assists. He made 13-of-24 shots that game.
Leonard's absence will significantly affect the Clippers' chances to win Game 3 of this series. Los Angeles is also without their second-best player, Paul George, who has a right knee sprain.
George is not expected to return for this first-round series, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Game 3 between the Suns and Clippers will tip off at 7:30 p.m. PT. The game will be televised by NBA TV and Bally Sports Arizona for local fans.