The Toronto Raptors are finally back at Scotiabank Arena, and Tuesday night’s preseason meeting with the New York Knicks comes with a few things worth tracking beyond the final score.
The biggest one is Leonard. He was a full participant in practice before the matchup, and after sitting out Toronto’s first two preseason games, he is set to make his preseason debut against the defending champions.
How long he stays on the floor is still an open question. Anything beyond 15 minutes would be a surprise, but the Raptors need him to get some game reps before next week’s season opener against the Chicago Bulls.
His return also changes the look of Toronto’s rotation. With Leonard back in the starting lineup, Ja'Kobe Walter should slide into the second unit, the role he is expected to handle more often during the regular season. Walter has added growth over the offseason, and this game gives Toronto a first live look at how that progression fits with the rest of the bench.
That second-unit look matters even more because of how the schedule lines up for New York. The Knicks played the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden last night, so Toronto may not be facing a full-strength group. The Raptors and Knicks will meet again Thursday night at MSG, giving both teams a two-game set this week.
For Toronto, though, this one is about getting reacquainted with home and taking a step toward finding rhythm. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
ET inside Scotiabank Arena. Fans can watch on Sportsnet or stream on the SN Plus app.
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What stood out most was the gap in how the two teams handled the perimeter game, with Minnesota finding a rhythm that New York could not match. The Timberwolves got strong production from Anthony Edwards, who set the tone throughout the night, and the Knicks never quite found a way to answer as the margin widened. At this point, the frustration is less about one preseason loss and more about how quickly an early-season issue can start to feel like a trend. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks Preseason Loss Put Several Rotation Hopefuls Under Pressure
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For players trying to hang onto a role, the pressure is starting to sharpen. Landry Shamet and Mohamed Diawara had quieter nights, and several others either flashed a little progress or ran into the same old issue of inefficient shooting. In a preseason stretch like this, the Knicks are not just looking for talent, but for who can fit cleanly around the established core when the games start to count. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks Banner Night Could Reignite A Debate Fans Already Feel
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What remains unsettled is how much of that success will get permanent recognition in the rafters. The team has not said whether banners for the NBA Cup or the East crown will join the championship banner, even though owner James Dolan had previously signaled the club would honor the league title rather than the in-season tournament win. So when the lights come up on Oct. 20, part of the conversation may be less about the opponent than about exactly how many new banners are on display. [Read more 🡒]