The Spurs' backs are against the wall. They trail their Western Conference Finals series against the Golden State Warriors, 3-0, with Game 4 set for Monday, and Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich they're "likely" going to be without Kawhi Leonard (sprained left ankle) again.
"It wouldn't make much sense," Popovich said of playing Leonard in Game 4. "If he's unable to play yesterday, I don't think there's going to be a miraculous healing by tomorrow."
Leonard, who tweaked his already sprained ankle in the third quarter of Game 1 of the series after landing on Zaza Pachulia's foot, missed the rest of that game and without him on the court, the Warriors used an 18-0 run to overcome a 25-point deficit and win, 113-111. Leonard also missed the Spurs' 136-100 loss to the Warriors in Game 2, and their 120-108 loss in Game 3.
As for David Lee, who sustained a left knee injury late in the first quarter of Game 3 while shooting a finger roll layup against Draymond Green, Popovich said he will also "probably" be out for Monday. The good news, however, is that Lee's injury appears to be less severe than first anticipated.
"I don't think it's serious," Popovich said. "He did an MRI, but we haven't gotten the results yet. He's got like a bruise or something like that. It stiffened up on him, it didn't really swell up, it just got stiff. He'll probably be out."
