NBA Notes: Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Pistons, Isaiah Stewart, Nuggets

Clippers

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard’s absence Monday looked notable. It may not be significant.

Leonard sat out the loss to the Spurs with a left ankle sprain after being listed as doubtful earlier in the day. The expectation is he’s day-to-day and traveling with the team on its upcoming three-game trip, per Janis Carr of the Orange County Register.

That trip includes a back-to-back in New Orleans on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by Dallas on Saturday.

There is also a wrinkle here. Leonard needs to appear in at least one of those games to remain eligible for end-of-season awards. So while the Clippers will be cautious, there is some incentive to get him on the floor.

Either way, this appears more maintenance than concern.

Pistons

The Pistons officially announced Isaiah Stewart has a Grade one calf strain and will be reevaluated in one week. The issue had been lingering, per Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press.

“It’s something he’s been dealing with. It just had been getting worse,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He gutted it out last game and I think you could see he was favoring it late… it’s something we’re going to take time with.”

That likely ends any shot Stewart had at All-Defensive consideration, as he now figures to fall short of the 65-game minimum.

He’s been a steady piece for Detroit, averaging 10.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in just over 23 minutes.

Paul Reed is the obvious next man up. And when he’s started, he’s produced. Nearly 14 points, almost eight rebounds and solid all-around play in those opportunities.

Nuggets

The Nuggets are getting close to whole. Finally.

Peyton Watson remains the only regular still sidelined, and even that may not last much longer. The Nuggets are hopeful he can return this week from a hamstring strain, per Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette.

He’s already been ruled out for Tuesday against Philadelphia and is unlikely for Wednesday in Memphis. But Friday vs. Toronto is considered a realistic target.

That would leave Denver essentially at full strength outside of G League assignments.