Kawhi Leonard ruled out for load management Sunday vs. Knicks [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Jan. 5, 3:19 p.m. — Here’s who will start vs. the Knicks.

UPDATE: Jan. 5, 1:56 p.m. — George will return to the lineup vs. the Knicks. So will Patrick Beverley. With both players back and Leonard sitting, George should be an appealing fantasy option in Showdown. Beverley’s return will send Derrick Walton Jr. back to the bench. I can see a scenario in which Patrick Patterson starts for Leonard and Harrell and Lou Will come off the bench again.

Los Angeles Clippers SG/SF Kawhi Leonard (knee) will sit out for load management Sunday vs. the New York Knicks, per Yahoo Sports’ Chris B. Haynes. We still don’t know the status of Paul George, who missed last game due to a hamstring injury.

This isn’t anything surprising for Leonard, who hasn’t been playing on full back-to-back sets. This was expected rest for Kawhi and we shouldn’t be too concerned over it. As for George, Doc Rivers was hopeful his forward would return to the lineup Sunday, so we’ll have to see if he gets back.

Fantasy Basketball Analysis: Los Angeles Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George

So if both players are sidelined, the Clippers may be in a bit of trouble in this game. As far as fantasy basketball, Lou Williams ($13,200 as Captain on Showdown) and Montrezl Harrell ($12,000) are both your chalk options for the Showdown on DraftKings. The Clippers-Knicks game is off the main slate, but in season-long leagues there aren’t really any options to replace Leonard or PG-13 in the short term. Derrick Walton Jr. ($3,400 at UTIL) started in place of George on Saturday and pretty much did nothing. My guess would be Harrell or JaMychal Green ($6,000) starts in place of Leonard. Both are decent options in the contest.