Raptors Rule Out Kawhi Leonard vs. Timberwolves Due to Knee Swelling

Raptors Rule Out Kawhi Leonard vs. Timberwolves Due to Knee Swelling

The Toronto Raptors announced that forward Kawhi Leonard will not play in the Sunday matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves because of left knee swelling.

The decision was communicated an hour before tip‑off.

Leonard will undergo further testing on Monday, with an update expected on Tuesday.

Leonard was acquired in an off‑season trade from the Los Angeles Clippers and appeared in the Raptors' first two games of the season against the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards.

In those games he averaged 19.5 points on 32.4 percent shooting from the field and 28.6 percent from three‑point range, added 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 3.5 steals per contest.

His contributions helped Toronto maintain the league’s second‑best defense through the first week of the season.

Leonard has a history of knee injuries but played in 65 games for the Clippers last season and earned second‑team All‑NBA honors.

During his first stint with Toronto in 2018‑19, he missed 22 regular‑season games but was part of the franchise’s 2019 championship.

Earlier in the season, an NBA fan asked Leonard whether he had “planted any trees lately” in reference to the Aspiration controversy, and the Raptors responded “Always.”

The Raptors entered the game with a perfect 2‑0 record.