Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were dropped for the LA Clippers game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday due to NBA health and safety protocols.
The two stars did not join the team on their flight to Atlanta on Monday, sources told ESPN.
The Clippers will have neither their two best players nor initial guard Patrick Beverley (pain in his right knee), as they follow a seven-game winning streak in Atlanta to start a six-game trip.
Depending on the extent of the NBA protocols, Leonard or George could potentially join the team on this trip, the sources said.
Leonard, George and Beverley played during Sunday’s 108-100 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, George was prevented from playing in the last four minutes due to a tightening of the hamstring and Beverley did not play in the second half due to a knee injury.
Beverley also did not make the trip to Atlanta, the sources said.
Leonard has been playing his best basketball of the season, averaging 32.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in the Clippers’ last three wins.
George is enjoying a recovery season, averaging 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists.