San Antonio Spurs swingman Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out for Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors tonight, head coach Gregg Popovich told reporters two hours ahead of tip-off, per Courtney Cronin of the San Jose Mercury News.

“Same, same,” Popovich said regarding Leonard’s status.

The Spurs will take a cautious approach, rather than slinging their talisman out on the floor, while he is still recovering from a left ankle injury that has sidelined him from a total of three-and-a-half games since first suffering the ailment in the dying stages of Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets.

San Antonio will have the home court advantage, but a one-star disadvantage with the absence of The Klaw.

Article Continues Below
More San Antonio Spurs News
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd (left) and assistant coach Sean Sweeney (right) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center.
Spurs’ Mitch Johnson steals away Jason Kidd’s top assistantDavid Yapkowitz ·
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) listens to head coach Gregg Popovich in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Frost Bank Center.
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama reveals Gregg Popovich’s ‘incredible’ qualityYasmin Edañol ·
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama watches the game between the Dallas Wings and the Seattle Storm during the first half at College Park Center. Wembanyama later went bald after visiting Shaolin Temple
Tom Brady jokes with Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama after Shaolin Temple tripYasmin Edañol ·
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) handles the ball in front of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half at Frost Bank Center.
Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama names all-time starting five at Fanatics FestGuillermo Guajardo ·
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) handles the ball in front of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half at Frost Bank Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James’ hilarious Victor Wembanyama admission on eventual retirementJosh Davis ·
Spurs rumors: Insider wouldn't be surprised by draft 'curveball'
Spurs rumors: Insider wouldn’t be surprised by draft ‘curveball’Chris Spiering ·

Jonathon Simmons is expected to get the starting nod once again, having filled in admirably by averaging 18 points per game through two starts.

The Spurs will also be without reserve forward David Lee after he suffered a knee injury early in Game 3 of the series upon landing after an and-one opportunity at the rim.

The team did not hold a shootaround prior to the game Monday despite facing an uphill battle, being undermanned and trailing 0-3 against a playoff-undefeated Warriors team in the Western Conference Finals.