The Toronto Raptors may have to take on another undefeated team without their biggest name in the lineup.
Kawhi Leonard is listed as out for Toronto’s matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves because of swelling in his left knee, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. Stein wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “The Raptors say Kawhi Leonard (left knee swelling) is OUT,”
That’s the latest wrinkle in a career that has been shaped by knee issues for Leonard, who has missed significant time because of them. For now, the question is whether this is just a one-game absence or something that stretches longer for the Raptors.
It would not be a shock if Toronto continues handling Leonard carefully, especially if the knee remains a problem. A minutes restriction or some kind of game-by-game management would fit the situation if the discomfort lingers.
Even with Toronto off to a 2-0 start, Leonard has still been working his way into form. His shot hasn’t been falling through the first two games, and after the opener, he urged patience.
“You can’t rush greatness,” Leonard said via Josh Lewenberg. “You know, whenever the medical (staff) thinks I could push forward and I’m feeling great, whatever numbers we’re looking at, or they’re looking at, then that’s when that time will come. I was just happy to be out there and do the best I can with my minutes.”
The encouraging part for the Raptors is that they haven’t needed Leonard to carry them. They’ve got a balanced group that has already shown it can win, and that’ll matter against Minnesota. The bigger unknown is how long Toronto might have to keep winning without him.
In Other News...
Raptors Rookie Allen Graves Already Has A Ritual Fans Will Love
Allen Graves has already given Raptors fans a glimpse of the personality that comes with a first-round pick who is still finding his footing in the NBA. The rookie, expected to chip in as a two-way option off the bench, has suited up in Torontos first two games of the 2026 season and has been easing into the rotation while showing the kind of routine that usually sticks with teammates as much as it does fans.
Before games, Graves likes to take a nap in a tiny room that he says feels like a closet, a spot he jokingly calls his Harry Potter room. It is the sort of odd, memorable habit that tends to travel quickly around a locker room, and with Graves still in the early stages of his pro career, the little details are starting to stand out almost as much as the minutes and production he has logged so far. [Read more 🡒]
Raptors' Fast Start Still Hinges On One Missing Piece
The Raptors have opened the 2026-27 season with back-to-back wins over the Bulls and Wizards, and the early formula has looked familiar in the best possible way. Torontos defense has been active, the young players have brought plenty of energy, and the group has already shown it can win with pace, length and pressure on the other end.
Still, the first two games have also highlighted a familiar concern: the perimeter shot has not come along yet. Toronto has struggled from three-point range, and until players like Kawhi Leonard and JaKobe Walter find a steadier rhythm from deep, the offense could be left leaning too heavily on defense to carry the load. The start is encouraging, but the missing balance is hard to ignore. [Read more 🡒]