Leonard late scratch for Spurs vs. Clippers

Kawhi Leonard was a late scratch Thursday for the San Antonio Spurs' contest against the Los Angeles Clippers. Leonard is dealing with tightness in his left calf.

It will be only Leonard's third DNP this season, and it comes as the Spurs kick off a three-game-in-four-night stretch after an eight-day layoff. Leonard played 26 minutes in Sunday's All-Star Game.

The fifth-year pro has established himself as the Spurs catalyst this season, adding go-to offensive duties to his splendid defensive presence. He's averaging a career-high 20.2 points on 51 percent shooting to go with 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest.

Leonard missed 18 games last season with a severe hand injury.