Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, right, shoots over Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Monday, Nov. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Kawhi Leonard is missing his third straight game for the Los Angeles Clippers, again delaying his on-court pairing with new teammate Paul George.
George was in the lineup Monday night against his former team, Oklahoma City, which traded him to the Clippers in the offseason.
Leonard bruised his left knee in a loss at Houston last Wednesday and didn't play at New Orleans or against Atlanta last week. Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers says it was 'œvery possible'ť Leonard was going to play Monday. Rivers has displayed little concern that Leonard will be out long.
'œI just know it's going to happen,'ť he said of Leonard and George playing together for the first time.
Leonard has missed five of the Clippers' 14 games. When he's been in the lineup, he's averaging 26.8 points.
George has scored 70 points in just 44 minutes over the past two games since making his season debut after rehabbing from two shoulder operations.
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Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George, right, shoots while Atlanta Hawks forward Cam Reddish defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
The Associated Press
Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard (0) dribbles next to Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George reacts after a shot by Maurice Harkless during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks in Los Angeles, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) taps the hand of Clippers head coach Doc Rivers as he walks to the bench in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Sophia Germer)
The Associated Press