Griffin: Zion not ending quarters part of Pels’ plan

Paolo Banchero has said that when he suits up for a national team, he’ll play for Italy. Unfortunately, that debut for the Italian National Team may be delayed for a while longer.

Banchero is unlikely to play for Italy at this summer’s FIBA World Cup, according to federation president Gianni Petrucci.

“We are currently on stand-by, and if I’m being honest, I feel more pessimistic than optimistic. Banchero has been overwhelmed by events in recent months,” Petrucci said. “If he won’t be with us for the World Cup, we now hope for the Paris Olympics.”

Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out by the Los Angeles Clippers for Saturday’s Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns with a right knee sprain.

Leonard also missed Game 3 in an unexpected move. Leonard aggravated his right knee sprain in Game 1 but played through it in Game 2. Leonard was not on the injury report for Game 2 or ahead of Game 3 before he was ruled out.

Leonard’s injury is considered day-to-day by the team.

With Game 5 scheduled for Tuesday, Leonard would have a week of recovery before seeing if he can play when the series returns to Phoenix.