Despite Kawhi Leonard only plays 23 to 27 minutes PredatorsThe first two games, he is set to miss his first game of the season on Sunday as he sits out with left knee swelling, according to Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy (via Twitter).
Leonard scored 16 points on 7-of-20 shooting and added nine rebounds and three steals in the team’s win over the Wizards on Friday, finishing with 23 points, six rebounds and four steals in just under 24 minutes in the season opener, both victories.
However, a star player lately admitted that speed after a long offseason would be a process he didn’t want to rush. Instead, he’s focused on making the most of the minutes he gets.
In Leonardo’s absence, I’m Kobe Walter is the most likely starter against the Timberwolves, according to TSN’s Josh Levenberg (Link to Twitter). Through two games, Walter is averaging 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.5 steals in 23.5 minutes, though he has struggled to find his rhythm from the three so far.
We have more from across the Atlantic Division:
- VJ Edgecombe goes beyond Sixers” game against the Pistons on Sunday night with an abdominal contusion, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin (Link to Twitter). According to the head coach Nick NurseThe injury occurred when Edgecombe took a knee to the midsection during Saturday’s game. He was able to push through the pain, but woke up the next day in severe pain, according to Chris Hine of the Philly Inquirer (via Twitter).
- The Nix recently signed Dalton Knecht to a two-way deal after the Lakers waived him despite already having multiple guards on the roster. When asked about the choice of New York, Knecht said:It just seemed like the best opportunity. I talked to the coaching staff, I knew them for a short time, so it was good. I thought it would be a great option and I’m very happy to be here,” on SNY Knicks (Link to video on Twitter). According to the head coach, the 25-year-old shooting guard will likely start his career in New York with the Westchester Knicks, a member of the G League. Mike Brownwho said getting Knecht on the court and letting him play was the most important thing, not sitting on the bench with the Knicks. “Obviously, it’s two-way now. We want him to play as much as possible. He will play for Westchester,” Brown said, according to Edwards (via Twitter).
- The Networks lost their first two games of the season before Sunday’s matchup with the Pacers, but even though the team lost to the Cavaliers on Saturday, they got some encouraging signs about the pairing they hope will make up the backcourt going forward. CJ Holmes writes for the New York Daily News. Their first minutes together in the NBA Yehor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr worked together to make three threes in 47 seconds. The two played just three minutes and thirty-six seconds together, but it left an impression on the head coach Jordi Fernandezwho discussed the difficult balancing act of doing everything possible to promote the pair while also working in the overall best interest of the team, especially with Brown still on a minutes cap. “If I’m just thinking about playing them together, I might not be doing what’s best for the group at the time“, Fernandez said. The players themselves seemed to enjoy the experience of playing with each other.”I can’t wait to spend more time with him on the court“, – said Demin.
