An early-season showdown between two clubs expected to contend for the NBA title will be missing a key component Wednesday.
When the Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Bucks, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, will be on the floor. However, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, Los Angeles forward Kawhi Leonard, will sit out.
The Clippers are following the plan that the Toronto Raptors used successfully last year with Leonard, having him sit out occasional games for "load management." The Wednesday contest will mark the second time Leonard has sat in Los Angeles' first eight games.