The Raptors are bracing for a stretch without Kawhi Leonard, who is expected to miss “a period of weeks” because of swelling in his left knee, according to sources who spoke to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Toronto confirmed the issue in a formal update and said Leonard will go through treatment and a rehab program after imaging showed no “acute injury” in the knee. The team said he’ll be reevaluated in one week.
Leonard’s latest setback comes after a cautious buildup to the season. The forward, acquired from L.A. in September after a long delay tied to the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers’ salary cap circumvention, played in only two of Toronto’s five preseason games.
He did suit up for the first two games of the regular season and helped the Raptors get off to a 2-0 start, even though his shot wasn’t falling. Leonard connected on just 32.4% of his attempts in those outings, but he still made a real impact, averaging 3.5 steals in 26.0 minutes per game. He was then ruled out for Sunday’s game in Minnesota because of the knee swelling.
The timetable from Toronto suggests Leonard will sit out at least the next four games. The Raptors host Orlando on Wednesday and Friday, then head to Los Angeles for games against the Lakers on Sunday and the Clippers on Monday.
That trip also means the former Clipper will miss Toronto’s only visit to Intuit Dome this season. And based on Charania’s reporting, there’s a strong chance Leonard is out for more than just those four games.
With Leonard sidelined, third-year wing Ja’Kobe Walter moved into the starting lineup on Sunday. Walter looks set for a larger role while Kawhi is out, with rookie forward Allen Graves and veteran swingman Kyle Anderson among the other players likely to move up the depth chart.
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Orlando is dealing with its own setbacks, with Paolo Banchero expected out for 4-6 weeks because of a right high ankle sprain and Jalen Suggs sidelined for two games with a right knee bone bruise. Anthony Black, who had been listed as questionable, has been cleared to play, giving the Magic at least one more available body as both teams adjust to a suddenly thinner game plan. [Read more 🡒]
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Orlando comes in dealing with its own injury problems, with Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs both sidelined, which changes the look of the game even if the challenge remains real. For Toronto, that only adds to the importance of handling business against a depleted opponent, because the Raptors can use a clean offensive performance just as much as they need a result. [Read more 🡒]
Scottie Barnes Is Raising A Real Concern For The Raptors Offense
Scottie Barnes early-season shot profile has become a notable wrinkle for the Raptors, and not necessarily the kind that encourages confidence. Instead of living at the rim the way he has in past seasons, Barnes has been leaning more heavily into mid-range looks, a shift that has altered the balance of Torontos offense and taken some of the pressure off defenders to protect the paint.
Darko Rajakovic has said opposing coverages have played a role in that change, but the larger concern is whether Barnes can get back to being a consistent paint threat while still operating as a playmaker. He has already shown flashes in the opening stretch, then followed that with a rough shooting night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which only adds to the sense that Toronto is still trying to figure out how best to use its most important young piece. [Read more 🡒]