HOUSTON – Gregg Popovich wanted to watch and talk more with Kawhi Leonard throughout the day before determining his status for Game 6 against the Houston Rockets Thursday night.
“We’ll take a much time as possible to see what he feels like, see what I see and we’ll make a decision,” said Popovich at the team’s morning shootaround.
After careful contemplation, the decision has been made. Leonard, who suffered a left ankle sprain in Game 5, will not play in Game 6, as the Spurs are being cautious with his injury.
Win or lose, the Spurs will play either a Game 7 against the Rockets on Sunday, or Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland; hence, allowing Leonard more time to recover is the priority.