Leonard’s status still up in the air

The San Antonio Spurs are a victory away from eliminating the Houston Rockets and advancing to the Western Conference finals for the first time since winning the NBA title in 2014.

But entering tonight’s Game 6 in Houston there are questions about whether Kawhi Leonard will be at full strength after rolling his ankle in an overtime win on Tuesday night. The Spurs’ MVP candidate was hurt when he stepped on James Harden’s foot about midway through the third quarter. He played limited minutes for the rest of regulation and did not play in overtime.

San Antonio’s All-Star said after the game that it was “a little sore” and he was limping. But he insisted that he’s fine and will be ready to go tonight.

If Leonard is still hobbled for Game 6 it will be another blow to a team already without Tony Parker, after the veteran suffered a season-ending quadriceps injury in Game 2.

Leonard was pragmatic when asked if he thinks his team is in control of the series after escaping with a win on Tuesday night.

“No,” he said. “Not in control until we win Game 6.”

After getting blown out in their last trip to Houston, the Spurs know eliminating the Rockets with its back against the wall will be a huge task.

“It’s going to be tough,” Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge said. “They’re a great offensive team. A bunch of competitive guys, they play way more confident at home.”

The Rockets are left to ponder their missed opportunity after failing to take advantage of Leonard’s absence in overtime of the 110-107 loss. Harden was brilliant through most of Tuesday’s game, finishing with a triple-double — 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

But he seemed to run out of gas in an overtime where he was held scoreless, and had a 3-pointer which could have tied the game blocked by 39-year-old Manu Ginobili just before the buzzer.