Spurs to sit Leonard with hand bruise again Friday

Either the San Antonio Spurs are gearing up for a full squad battle against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, or Kawhi Leonard's bruised right hand is worse than originally thought.

Leonard has been ruled out for the team's Friday game against the Portland Trail Blazers, the second consecutive contest he'll miss. He had missed a pair of games the week before, as well, only to return and play heavy minutes in a Sunday-Monday back-to-back and wind up back on the shelf.

Rookie Kyle Anderson drew the start at small forward with Leonard out Wednesday - the third time he's done so. In 15 games, Anderson has averaged 2.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 13.1 minutes as he struggles to find his footing as a pro.

Leonard's absence will loom large against a Blazers team that's been on fire of late. Being cautious is the Spurs' way, and is surely justified, but at 17-9 the team finds themselves in seventh in the Western Conference, which could introduce some urgency to their rest-heavy strategy.

In 22 games, Leonard is averaging 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and two steals - all career-best marks. His shooting hasn't been as strong as usual, possibly owing to his early-season eye infection, but he's been very effective overall. The Spurs are 12 points per 100 possessions better when their perimeter stopper plays.