Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard will miss at least one week due to swelling in his left knee, according to a media release from the team. The 15-year veteran was scratched shortly before tip-off during warm-ups ahead of a 117-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.
MRI reveals clean knee structure during seven-day absence
An MRI exam revealed no structural damage in the left knee. The 35-year-old forward will undergo treatment and rehabilitation to address the swelling over the next seven days.
The absence covers two home matchups against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday and Friday, followed by an upcoming road trip to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Nov. 1 and the Clippers on Nov. 2.
Shooting struggles follow cautious pre-season ramp-up schedule
Leonard’s latest setback follows a cautious ramp-up schedule implemented by the coaching staff. He sat out live scrimmages during the first week of training camp and played just two of five pre-season games, logging 39 total minutes.
Some more detail on Kawhi Leonard’s swollen left knee, how much time he could miss, and what we can learn about this Raptors team while he’s out: pic.twitter.com/uUnVa1tmV0
Through his first two regular-season appearances, Leonard averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals, 1.5 assists, and 0.5 blocks. He struggled with his shooting accuracy during those contests, converting 12 of 37 field goal attempts and missing several transition opportunities at the rim.
Those shooting struggles mark a rare offensive dip for the seven-time All-Star. It is only the fifth time in eight seasons that Leonard has shot below 36 percent from the floor over a two-game stretch, and the first time such a slump has occurred in the opening two games of a regular season.
Toronto's Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in his left knee, sources tell ESPN. MRI on Leonard's knee showed no structural damage, but sides will use the shorter term to ramp him back up after the stoppages during the offseason. pic.twitter.com/DBAgI3v38D
Raptors reacquire forward in blockbuster offseason trade
The Raptors reacquired Leonard this past summer in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers that sent Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to Los Angeles, alongside a 2027 first-round pick swap, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, and two second-round picks. Following the trade, Leonard signed a two-year, $115-million contract extension guaranteed through the 2028-29 season, earning $50.3 million in the final year of his previous deal.
Durability questions have followed the two-time NBA Finals MVP throughout his career. Leonard has missed 44 percent of his teams’ games over the past nine seasons, though he is coming off a productive campaign with the Clippers where he averaged a career-high 27.9 points across 65 games and earned second-team All-NBA honors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kawhi Leonard’s Injury
What caused Kawhi Leonard to miss the game against Minnesota?
Leonard experienced unexpected swelling in his left knee during pre-game warm-ups on Oct. 27, leading to a late scratch from the lineup just an hour before tip-off.
What did the MRI scan reveal about the knee?
The MRI exam confirmed that Leonard sustained no structural damage to his left knee. Medical staff plan to use the week-long layoff to manage his rehabilitation and continue his conditioning ramp-up.
🚨 Kawhi Leonard will miss a “period of weeks” due to swelling in his left knee, per @ShamsCharania Leonard's MRI showed no structural damage pic.twitter.com/69gmwcDPDp
How many games is Leonard guaranteed to miss?
Based on a one-week recovery timeline before re-evaluation, Leonard is projected to miss at least four games, including home games against Orlando and road matchups against the Lakers and Clippers.
What was the cost of acquiring Leonard in the offseason trade?
The Raptors sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, a 2027 first-round pick swap, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, and two second-round picks to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Leonard.
The Raptors say Kawhi Leonard will be sidelined for at least one week to address swelling in his left knee.The team says medical imaging revealed no acute injury. pic.twitter.com/rIsq5Xl8b7
Keep reading