Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard to miss 3rd straight game

Kawhi Leonard is absent for more than just load management this time.

The Los Angeles Clippers forward will miss a third straight game on Monday night when Los Angeles hosts the Oklahoma City Thunder. Leonard sustained a left knee contusion against the Houston Rockets last Wednesday.

He missed L.A.'s 132-127 road loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday and its 150-101 win against the visiting Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. After Monday, the Clippers' next game is at home against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

Paul George has filled in admirably in Leonard's absence, scoring a combined 70 points in his first two games with the Clippers following offseason shoulder surgeries.

Los Angeles entered Monday with an 8-5 overall record but only 3-3 in its past six.

Guard Patrick Beverley also was questionable for the Monday game due to a calf injury.

Leonard, 28, is averaging 26.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and six assists through his first nine games with the Clippers. Beverley, 31, is averaging seven points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists. — Field Level Media/Reuters