Kawhi Leonard, Clippers: 65 Game Rule Won't Stop Injuries

Kawhi Leonard weighed in on the NBA's 65-game award rule, praising its push to keep stars on the floor but warning "I don't think that rule is changing anybody to play if they're really hurt." Leonard has appeared in 57 games and needs eight of the Clippers' final nine to qualify, while the NBPA is already asking for exceptions after Cade Cunningham missed time with a collapsed lung. Merlin sees the tug of war between league optics and team care. Leonard is scoring at a career-best clip, yet the Clippers may protect him for the play-in rather than chase honors. The rule nudges availability but cannot erase prudent load management, and fixes like fewer games or fewer back-to-backs remain unlikely because money shapes the schedule.