PLAYA VISTA, Calif. -- Kawhi Leonard is out for the LA Clippers and Marcus Morris Sr. is expected to make a game-time decision for Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns.
Clippers coach Ty Lew said the Clippers will also have to find a way to go 2-2 in this best-of-seven series without Leonard, who will miss his sixth straight game with a right knee sprain.
Lew stated that Morris's re-game-time decision would likely have occurred if the team did not find out whether the power forward could play in Game 3 until long before the tip. That's why Morris came off the bench and the team introduced Terence Mann in a 106–92 win over the Sons.
Morris has been ruled out of the Western Conference final with a left knee injury. The veteran took the win in 24 minutes and had eight points and five rebounds in Game 3. With Leonard out, Morris' offense and defensive versatility are crucial for the Clippers. Morris was originally the backup center behind Ivica Zubac in Game 3, who had 15 points and 16 rebounds in Game 3.
While Leonard's status remains uncertain for the series, the All-Star has been engaged and active behind the scenes, speaking to players and coaches frequently, even at halftime, to give any observations and insights. for what he sees. Leonard watched Game 3 from a suite at Staples Center with his family.