It had been reported that Kawhi Leonard was likely to play in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday, and a definitive answer came Saturday afternoon from Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.

Pop says Kawhi Leonard will play in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals after missing game 6 vs Rockets with a sprained left ankle

— Greg Simmons (@GregSimmonsKSAT) May 13, 2017

Leonard was cleared to play by the Spurs' medical staff Saturday and will be in the starting lineup in Game 1, according to the San Antonio Express News. 

The Spurs need Leonard for this series, as the Warriors have one of the best offensive teams in the NBA in recent memory.

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

"Pray," he said.