Spurs' Leonard placed in concussion protocol, out vs. Warriors

Kawhi Leonard has been placed in concussion protocol by the San Antonio Spurs and will miss at least Saturday's showdown with the Golden State Warriors.

For the moment, it's the worst-case scenario for the Spurs, who saw Leonard depart Friday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter after being hit in the face. He didn't return to the game, although the team was hesitant to call it a concussion afterward.

With the Warriors playing Friday, Saturday's matchup could potentially be an opportunity for San Antonio to move within a half-game of Golden State for first in the West. The Spurs' odds take a tremendous hit without Leonard, though, who's been playing some of the best basketball of his career since the new year dawned.

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He's averaging a career-high 26.2 points and 3.4 assists per game this season, and San Antonio is nine points per 100 possessions better with Leonard on the floor. Thursday's loss snapped a 10-game Spurs win streak, while the Warriors have sputtered of late.