Will Kawhi Leonard Suit Up in Toronto? Raptors Fans Hope So
Raptors fans have already missed out on seeing a long list of NBA stars this season. From Nikola Jokic to Luka Doncic to Joel Embiid, the parade of marquee names sitting out in Toronto has become a frustrating theme. Now, all eyes are on Kawhi Leonard - the man who delivered the franchise’s only championship - as the Los Angeles Clippers make their lone visit of the season.
Leonard is officially listed as questionable, but if his recent performance is any indication, there's reason for optimism. Just days ago, he was also a game-time decision against Washington - and not only did he play, he dominated. Leonard poured in 33 points, including 11 straight in the fourth quarter, leading the Clippers to yet another win in what has become a red-hot stretch.
After a sluggish 6-21 start, the Clippers have flipped the script with an 11-2 run, and Leonard is at the center of it all. He’s averaging a career-high 28.2 points per game through 30 appearances, having missed 10 games so far - a notable improvement in availability after playing just 37 games last season.
His shooting splits are elite: just under 50% from the field, nearly 40% from deep, and a league-best 94.1% from the free-throw line. Add in a league-leading 2.2 steals per game, and Leonard is playing at an All-NBA level - and very much in the mix for his first All-Star nod since 2021.
Toronto fans remember well what Leonard is capable of when healthy and locked in. His 2019 playoff run remains the stuff of legend - a two-month stretch of two-way dominance that delivered a title and cemented his place in Raptors lore.
But since leaving for Los Angeles, his appearances in Toronto have been rare and, at times, underwhelming. Last season, he played under a minutes restriction in his lone game at Scotiabank Arena, finishing with just 14 points on 6-of-18 shooting - his worst performance of the 2024-25 campaign.
That game turned out to be a turning point. A month later, Leonard was back in All-Star form, and by the time the Clippers met the Nuggets in a seven-game playoff battle, he was averaging 25 points on 54% shooting - a clear sign of what was coming this season.
The timing of Leonard’s return to Toronto is also noteworthy. It comes on the heels of two recent home games that featured emotional returns for Kyle Lowry - the heart and soul of the championship team - and a win over both Lowry and Pascal Siakam earlier this week.
Leonard may not get the same hero’s welcome as Lowry, but if he suits up, expect a warm ovation. Toronto fans know what he meant to the city, even if the relationship has always been more business than sentiment.
As for the Raptors, they’ll once again be shorthanded. Starting center Jakob Poeltl is out for the 14th time in the last 15 games due to a back injury.
The Raptors are 13-8 when Poeltl starts - a testament to his impact. Rookie Ja’Kobe Walter, who had shown progress filling in for RJ Barrett, remains sidelined with a hip pointer.
Immanuel Quickley (back spasms) and key reserve Sandro Mamukelashvili (illness) both missed the recent game against Indiana and are listed as questionable.
With injuries piling up and a star-studded opponent coming to town, Friday’s game carries weight - not just for the standings, but for the fans. If Leonard plays, it’ll be a rare chance to see one of the game’s best - and a reminder of the championship memories he helped create.