The Toronto Raptors have announced that Kawhi Leonard will not participate in Sunday’s match against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to swelling in his left knee.
The Raptors made the announcement shortly before the game was set to start, designating Leonard as a late absence. They have not shared any further information regarding his injury, apart from mentioning the knee swelling.
Irritation in the same knee led the Clippers to send Leonard home during a January road trip when he was with Los Angeles last season. He was able to return to the Clippers’ roster following a three-game absence.
It is important to note that the swelling is not present in the knee that underwent reconstructive surgery. Leonard has a history of sustaining tears in the ACL and meniscus of his right knee, which has caused him to miss considerable playing time.
The Raptors and their supporters are certainly optimistic that Leonard’s knee issue will resolve quickly, allowing him to come back to the lineup in the near future.
Leonard rejoined the Raptors through a trade this offseason, returning to a franchise he helped to its first and only NBA championship eight seasons ago. If he can remain healthy, alongside All-Star Scottie Barnes, they constitute one of the most formidable two-way duos in the NBA, serving as the cornerstone of what Toronto aspires to be a championship-caliber team.
The Raptors had a successful start with a 2-0 record in Leonard’s first two games back, having secured victories against the Bulls and Wizards. In those contests, Leonard recorded averages of 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals, although he did face challenges with his shooting, managing 12 of 37 (32.4%) from the field.
Following their matchup with the Timberwolves, the Raptors will engage in back-to-back games against the Magic this week, subsequently facing the Lakers on Sunday.
