Kawhi Leonard was missing in action on Sunday, as the Toronto Raptors lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-94, at Target Center. The Raptors fell to 2-1, while the Timberwolves improved to 3-0. Leonard was added to the injury report just an hour before tip-off. Toronto announced that the veteran forward was dealing with swelling in […]
The post Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard to undergo testing after concerning injury update appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Toronto Raptors suffered a 117-94 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their season opener without Kawhi Leonard, sparking concerns about the team's future. While Scottie Barnes went 0‑12, RJ Barrett showed his worth with 20 points and three steals, and bench player Ja’Kobe Walter dropped 22 points on 62.5% shooting from three. The article argues that Barrett could become the long‑term second‑option offense, but warns that Jakob Poeltl’s continued lack of production—zero points and no double‑digit rebounds over three games—remains a major issue, especially with his contract extension looming.
Scottie Barnes didn't make a shot and looked disinterested defensively in the Raptors' first game without Kawhi Leonard. How concerned should we be?
The Toronto Raptors lose their first game of the season to the undefeated Minnesota Timberwolves.
The post Quick Reaction: Toronto Raptors 94, Minnesota Timberwolves 117 first appeared on Raptors Republic .
Barnes scores zero points as the Raptors are brutalized. What happens next?
The post Barnes’ career low against Timberwolves exposes Raptors’ existential question first appeared on Raptors Republic .
Kawhi Leonard sits out Sunday with left‑knee swelling after posting 16 points and nine rebounds in a win over Washington and 23 points in the season opener. Ja’Kobe Walter is projected to start for the Raptors against Minnesota, averaging 8.5 points in 23.5 minutes. In the Atlantic Division, Sixers forward VJ Edgecombe misses the game vs. Detroit due to an abdominal contusion, while the Knicks add 25‑year‑old guard Dalton Knecht on a two‑way contract, likely to start in the G League. Meanwhile, the Nets, 0‑2, saw promising chemistry from rookie duo Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr., who combined for three threes in 47 seconds, sparking optimism from coach Jordi Fernandez.
MINNEAPOLIS — Prior to their game tonight against the Timberwolves, Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković praised the new-look roster and the unique duo of guards Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball. “Great young duo, very talented players capable to score in so many different ways,” said the fourth-year Raptors head coach from Serbia. “It’s a great […]
The post Raptors HC Darko Rajaković makes ‘beauty’ admission on facing Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Kawhi Leonard misses his first game back with the Toronto Raptors due to knee swelling, sidelining him for the crucial Sunday showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ja’Kobe Walter steps into the starting lineup as the two undefeated teams face off, providing an early test of the Raptors’ depth without Leonard. The article notes Leonard’s recent 27‑minute, 112‑102 win over the Wizards and his historic 60‑game 2019 season, while previewing upcoming back‑to‑back games against the Lakers and Clippers.
The Toronto Raptors have started the season off 2-0, and they have a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves next, another team that is undefeated. It looks like they may be without Kawhi Leonard in that one, as he’s dealing with swelling in his knee, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. “The Raptors say Kawhi Leonard […]
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Toronto Raptors star forward Kawhi Leonard downplayed any concerns about when he will be able to ramp up to full game shape, and now he's shutting things down completely.
The Toronto Raptors head to Minneapolis on Sunday, Oct. 25, for a 7:00 PM ET showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves on NBA TV, with a free‑trial stream available on Fubo. Both teams enter the game 2‑0, the Raptors riding a 135‑92 win over Chicago and a 112‑102 road victory over Washington, led by Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley, while the Timberwolves posted dominant road wins over Miami and Orlando, averaging 123 points behind LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. The win‑or‑lose battle could set the tone for two early playoff contenders.
After an optional practice in Calgary, Maple Leafs assistant Jim Hiller praises William Nylander’s 300‑goal milestone, saying he hopes the winger adds another 300. Hiller also evaluates the Nylander‑Paul‑Marchenko line, the power‑play’s recent performance, Chris Tanev’s progress toward a comeback, and his confidence in Toronto’s goaltending. The interview offers insight into Nylander’s career trajectory and his impact on the team.
Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly had a terrible 2025-26 season, and no teams were interested in trading for him this summer. But Rielly has bounced back in a major way this season, and he's become a terrific example of a veteran who still has gas left in the tank.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla deflects media focus on the Tatum‑Brown saga, emphasizing Jayson Tatum’s role while respecting former teammate Jaylen Brown’s contributions. Meanwhile, Sixers center Joel Embiid misses Sunday’s game against Detroit due to plantar fasciitis after a triple‑double win over Milwaukee, and RJ Barrett remains a key piece for the Raptors despite trade speculation. The Nets slide to 0‑2 after a loss to Cleveland, but rookie Egor Demin sparks hope with a 22‑point fourth‑quarter surge alongside Mikel Brown Jr., who is on a minutes restriction after an ankle injury.
Toronto has opened the year with its trademark defense and energy, but better three-point shooting could make them an even tougher threat in the East.
The Raptors are off to an intriguing start. Here's what's catching my attention after the first two games.
The post Raptors stock talk: buying defence, and more first appeared on Raptors Republic .
The post opens with a photo of Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick’s solo home run in Game 2 of the 2026 World Series, a highlight that sparked fan celebration in Milwaukee. With no Toronto Blue Jays news to report, the author invites readers to an open discussion thread, reflecting on watching sports without a rooting bias and sharing personal anecdotes about family fandom and umpire frustrations. The invitation extends to any sports topic, from the latest NFL game to the Houston Texans’ new jerseys, encouraging community conversation.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are beginning to find their footing and the timing could hardly be better. After a difficult opening stretch, Toronto has won four consecutive games, capped by…
The Maple Leafs’ blueline remains a revolving door, with only Morgan Rielly offering any continuity. After adding Darren Raddysh, Toronto still lacks a true top‑pair defenseman and General Manager John Chayka appears ready to spend a premium asset for a game‑changing player. The article argues the team should target a Victor Hedman‑ or Miro Heiskanen‑type, naming Simon Edvinsson and Moritz Seider as primary candidates, while outlining the assets Toronto could trade—including a 2027 first‑round pick, prospects Ben Danford, Artur Akhtyamov, and several 2029‑class prospects. The piece stresses that a band‑aid solution won’t suffice and that a decisive move is needed to shore up 5‑on‑5 minutes and protect narrow leads.
The piece revisits Toronto Raptors swing‑man Terrence Ross, a forgotten yet pivotal figure between the Vince Carter era and the 2019 championship. Ross spent 11 seasons primarily with Toronto, playing over 70 games each year, tying Carter’s 51‑point single‑game record and winning the 2013 NBA Slam Dunk Contest—the first Raptor victory since Carter in 2000. His trade to Orlando for Serge Ibaka in 2016‑17 helped reshape the Raptors’ frontcourt, setting the stage for future success. Ross later faced Toronto in the 2019 playoffs, ranking second on the Magic in points and steals as they fell in five games. The article argues his contributions deserve lasting recognition.
June 28 is the anniversary of one of the most remarkable trades in Toronto Maple Leafs history. It was the trade that sent Maple Leafs captain and fan-favorite Wendel Clark…
The Timberwolves have not lost their home opener at the Target Center since 2015.
The Lookout Landing post spotlights a photo of Mariners left‑hander Logan Gilbert diving to throw out a runner in a July 4, 2026 game against the Toronto Blue Jays—a 11-0 Seattle win where Gilbert tossed just one baserunner in 7.1 innings with seven strikeouts, earning his fifth‑best career Game Score. The entry invites fans to submit captions, essays, drawings or any creative response for the weekly photo‑caption contest, with votes and personal favorites determining the winner. Past winners and contest rules are listed, and readers are encouraged to sign up for the site and SB Nation app to join the discussion.
Auston Matthews credits 21‑year‑old winger Easton Cowan for boosting his early‑season form as Toronto thumps Edmonton 7‑2 on Oct. 25, 2026. Matthews scored on a 2‑on‑1 after a Cowan feed, and praised the young player’s growth in size, speed, hockey IQ and defensive responsibility. Cowan, now with five goals and 12 points in 13 games, continues to anchor the Leafs’ first line alongside Matthews and Jack Roslovic, fueling a four‑game winning streak. Toronto’s defense, led by Troy Stecher, limited Leon Draisaitl’s two goals, showcasing a near‑perfect team effort.
The Toronto Raptors, boasting a 97‑point defensive average and two double‑digit wins, travel to face a revamped Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 25, 2026. Minnesota’s roster shake‑up adds LaMelo Ball, who brings elite playmaking, and Jonathan Kuminga at power forward, complementing Anthony Edwards. While the Wolves' offense exploded for 131 points in their season‑opener, depth concerns linger beyond Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. Key matchups include Rudy Gobert’s interior presence against the Raptors’ small‑ball scheme and the Raptors’ ability to exploit Ball and Kuminga’s defensive inexperience. The game serves as a crucial early‑season test for both teams after major offseason moves.