PLAYA VISTA, Calif. -- Kawhi Leonard will sit out his second game this season due to load management and miss a marquee matchup against reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo on Wednesday night when the LA Clippers face the Milwaukee Bucks.
Wednesday's game is the first of a back-to-back set for the Clippers at Staples Center. Leonard is expected to play against Portland on Thursday night.
The Clippers' official designation for Leonard's not playing is "injury/illness, load management (knee)," according to the NBA's injury report. This is the second time he will sit out a nationally televised game with that designation. The Clippers are in compliance with the NBA and have been in contact with the league in both cases, according to a league spokesperson.
Leonard did not play during the Clippers' 110-96 loss at Utah last Wednesday, which was televised nationally on ESPN. The Clippers-Bucks game will be aired on ESPN, and Thursday's game against the Blazers will be on TNT.
Leonard is averaging 29.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.3 steals in six games this season.