Scottie Barnes failed his first major test without Kawhi Leonard
Scottie Barnes didn't make a shot and looked disinterested defensively in the Raptors' first game without Kawhi Leonard. How concerned should we be?
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Quick Reaction: Toronto Raptors 94, Minnesota Timberwolves 117
The Raptors fall 117‑94 to the Timberwolves on Oct. 26, 2026, as RJ Barrett’s 20‑point effort proves to be the lone bright spot. Barrett’s aggressive drives and a slick layup over Rudy Gobert highlight his offensive value, while Scottie Barnes goes cold, finishing 0‑12 and drawing heavy criticism. Immanuel Quickley adds 19 points, but the team struggles with rebounding—Jakob Poeltl grabs just one board—and defensive lapses. Rookie Ja’Kobe Walter shines with 22 points and solid defense, stepping up after Kawhi Leonard’s injury. The loss underscores Toronto’s offensive woes and raises questions about Barnes’s role and the front‑court’s effectiveness.
Barnes’ career low against Timberwolves exposes Raptors’ existential question
The Toronto Raptors’ 118‑109 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 26, 2026 highlights deep offensive woes and raises doubts about Scottie Barnes’ role. Minnesota shot efficiently, going 5‑6 and 8‑12 from three, while Toronto struggled to generate offense, committing multiple turnovers and missing the rim entirely—including Barnes, who finished with zero points. Despite a resilient first half that saw RJ Barrett and Collin Murray‑Boyles spark a brief comeback, the lack of pull‑up shooting and playmaking left the Raptors floundering, especially without Kawhi Leonard. The defeat underscores an urgent need to redefine Barnes’ fit and address the team’s 3‑point and transition deficiencies.
Atlantic Notes: Leonard, Edgecombe, Knecht, Nets
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.
Raptors HC Darko Rajaković makes ‘beauty’ admission on facing Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball
Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković praised the dynamic guard duo of Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball before Toronto's season‑opening matchup at Minnesota. He highlighted their 93 points and 18 threes in two games, calling them “the beauty of the NBA,” while noting the supporting talent around them. Both teams sit 2‑0, with the Timberwolves hosting their home opener at Target Center. Toronto will be without recent acquisition Kawhi Leonard, sidelined with knee swelling.
Leonard’s first absence gives young Raptors early test
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.
Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard scratched from Timberwolves game with swelling in knee
The Toronto Raptors sit 2‑0 to start the season but will be without Kawhi Leonard for their upcoming clash with unbeaten Minnesota. NBA insider Marc Stein reports Leonard is out with left‑knee swelling, adding to a history of knee issues that have limited his playing time. Leonard, who has struggled offensively in the first two games, said fans must be patient as medical staff manage his minutes. Despite the loss, the Raptors rely on a balanced roster to stay competitive against the Timberwolves. The situation raises questions about Leonard’s short‑term availability and long‑term health management.
Kawhi Leonard Injury Update, Latest on Raptors Star's Status amid Recent 'Greatness' Comments
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.
How to watch Raptors vs Timberwolves: NBA, live stream, TV channel
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.
Jim Hiller on William Nylander hitting the 300-goal milestone: “I hope he gets another 300… He’s got lots left”
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.
Morgan Rielly Has Found The Sweet Spot, Rebounding For Maple Leafs This 2026-27 Season
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.
Atlantic Notes: Mazzulla, Tatum, Brown, Embiid, Barrett, Nets
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.
Raptors’ hot start could lead to even greater dominance if they improve from deep
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.
Raptors stock talk: buying defence, and more
Raptors Republic’s new “Raptors Stock Talk” rates the team after its first two games. The author is buying the Raptors’ defence, which now boasts the league’s best rating (88.6), 30 forced turnovers and 57 transition points. Kawhi Leonard leads with seven steals, and Collin Murray‑Boyles shines as a versatile defender. The three‑point shooting is a sell, stuck at 26.2% (28th in the NBA) with only 17 threes made, echoing last season’s woes. Leonard’s offense is a hold – he’s shooting 32.4% overall and 28.6% from deep, but his defensive impact and adjusting rhythm suggest his scoring will improve.
Sunday Open Thread
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.
Maple Leafs Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Finding Rhythm, Winning Streak, Western Swing and More
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…
Top pair or bust if the Maple Leafs look to add another defenceman
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.
Raptors Rewind: I hope this legend isn’t forgotten
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.
Revisiting the Wendel Clark for Mats Sundin Trade
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…
Timberwolves look to extend impressive home opener streak against Raptors
The Timberwolves have not lost their home opener at the Target Center since 2015.
Caption’s LLog: Sunday Photo Caption Contest (10/25/26)
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.
Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews raves about Easton Cowan following win vs. Oilers
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.
Raptors clash against Timberwolves as both seek to preserve winning streaks
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.
Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Matthews’ Leadership, Cowan’s Growth & a 7-2 Statement Win
The Toronto Maple Leafs have won four straight games, and the 7-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers was the sort of result that gets people talking. Beating a team with…
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Their Tagging Issue
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a tagging issue. If they acquired anyone with term beyond this season, they'd likely need to move out salary as they don't have future cap room.
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