Report: Spurs' Leonard has torn hand ligament, no surgery required
The bad news for the San Antonio Spurs is that Kawhi Leonard reportedly has a torn ligament in his right hand. The good news is that it doesn't seem anywhere near as serious as one would expect a torn ligament to be.
NBA.com's David Aldridge reported Friday that, while Leonard has a tear, surgery is not required. The two-way forward expects to return to the court in the next few days.
Leonard will miss Friday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers - his fourth missed game in the last six.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich tried to clear up Leonard's status earlier Friday:
Medical theory with Gregg Popovich, on Kawhi Leonard's mucked up right hand. pic.twitter.com/GPmrNPZYQU
— Dan McCarney (@danmccarneySAEN) December 19, 2014
Leonard is averaging career-highs nearly across the board, posting 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists 2.0 steals.
Rookie Kyle Anderson drew the start at small forward with Leonard out Wednesday.
The Spurs enter Friday at 17-9, sitting at seventh place in the treacherous Western Conference.