Kawhi Leonard cleared to play for Spurs against Warriors in game one

Kawhi Leonard

San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard has been cleared to play against the Golden State Warriors in game one of the NBA Western Conference finals.

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich confirmed Leonard will take to the court at Oracle Arena in Oakland on Sunday.

Leonard missed game six of the Conference semi-finals due to an ankle injury as the Spurs eased past the Houston Rockets for a 4-2 series win on Thursday.

"He is going to play," Popovich told reporters on Saturday.

Leonard is a league MVP candidate after averaging 25.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists during the regular season.

He increased those numbers to 27.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists during the postseason. 

But even though Popovich can scheme for any opposing team, he has a simple strategy for stopping Golden State.

"Pray," he said.