Kawhi Leonard Injury Update: Raptors Star Expected To Miss Weeks With Knee Swelling
Kawhi Leonard is reportedly expected to miss several weeks with left knee swelling despite no structural damage.
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Kawhi Leonard injury update: Latest news on Raptors star forward
Kawhi Leonard’s Toronto debut hits a snag as the 35‑year‑old small forward is sidelined with left‑knee swelling. NBA insider Shams Charania reports an MRI shows no structural damage, but the Raptors expect Leonard to miss several weeks while undergoing treatment and rehab, with a re‑evaluation in a week. Leonard had been averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in the first two games, including a 117‑94 loss to Minnesota without him. The injury follows a high‑profile trade from the Clippers and a promising preseason ramp‑up, leaving fans uncertain about his immediate impact.
Toronto Raptors Star Kawhi Leonard Expected To Miss Weeks With Knee Injury
The second Kawhi Leonard era for the Toronto Raptors is not off to a good start.
Toronto Raptors Get Bad News On Kawhi Leonard Injury
Kawhi Leonard will miss at least four games for the Toronto Raptors after swelling in his left knee forced him out of Sunday’s matchup in Minnesota. An MRI shows no structural damage, but doctors will keep him in rehab and re‑evaluate him in a week. Leonard, who returned to Toronto in a blockbuster trade and signed a two‑year, $115 million extension, has helped the Raptors sprint to a 2‑1 start, winning both games he started. His next absence includes back‑to‑back games vs. Orlando, then trips to Los Angeles and the Clippers, testing the team without their star early in the season.
Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard to undergo treatment, rehab for mysterious knee injury
The Toronto Raptors announce that All‑Star forward Kawhi Leonard will miss at least a week to treat swelling in his left knee, despite imaging showing no acute damage. Leonard, who played 65 games last season after a long injury history in his right knee, was held out of the 117‑94 loss to Minnesota, marking his first absence of the 2026‑27 campaign. He will be re‑evaluated next Tuesday and will miss the Nov. 2 Clippers game at the Intuit Dome. The move follows his high‑profile trade from LA, where he took a $700,000 fine but no suspension, and a new two‑year, $115 million extension with Toronto.
Report: Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in left knee
Kawhi Leonard is slated to miss several weeks after his left knee swelled during a pre‑game warm‑up on Oct. 27, 2026. An MRI showed no structural damage, but the Raptors will begin a rehab program and reevaluate him in a week. Leonard, who has averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals in Toronto’s first two games, was ruled out hours before the Sunday night matchup with Minnesota. The injury forces the Raptors to rely on Scottie Barnes and other players ahead of upcoming contests against the Magic, Lakers, Nuggets and key division rivals.
Checking in on former Raptors through the first week of the 2026-27 NBA season
Raptors Republic checks in on former Toronto players as the 2026‑27 NBA season kicks off. DeMar DeRozan, now a bench scorer for the Denver Nuggets, posts 15.3 points per game and enters Sixth Man talk. Fred VanVleet returns from an ACL tear with the Houston Rockets, averaging 8.3 points, seven assists in 30 minutes. Norman Powell scores 19.5 points for the Chicago Bulls but shoots just 36.5% overall. OG Anunoby struggles early for the New York Knicks, logging 17.3 points while shooting below his usual percentages. The piece tracks how these familiar faces are adapting to new roles and teams.
Former Illini Dosunmu, Shannon Jr. off to strong starts with Timberwolves
Former Illinois standouts Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. are fueling the Minnesota Timberwolves’ hot 2026‑27 start. Minnesota wins its first three games by 20‑plus points before a 127‑125 setback to Cleveland. Off the bench, Dosunmu averages 12 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4 assists, posting 16 points vs. Miami and a near‑triple‑double vs. Orlando. Shannon hits double figures in each of four games, with 15 points against Toronto and 14 vs. Cleveland, averaging 13 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Their early contributions position Minnesota as a Western Conference contender.
Raptors' decision to move on from Jonathan Mogbo is already looking premature
The Raptors cutting ties with Jonathan Mogbo is looking like ot may not age well, as he thrives in Sacramento while Toronto searches for backup big answers.
Kevin Porter Jr. should be kept far away from the Toronto Raptors
Kevin Porter Jr., recently waived by the Milwaukee Bucks after posting 17 points, seven assists and two steals per game, is unlikely to be a fit for the Toronto Raptors. Despite his on‑court production, his documented history of legal trouble—including a misdemeanor assault and harassment plea tied to alleged domestic abuse—raises serious concerns. Raptors fans have voiced frustration with point guard Immanuel Quickley, but the article warns that Porter’s past volatility could disrupt the team’s locker‑room chemistry, which the Raptors prioritize. The piece argues the Raptors should avoid adding Porter to their roster as they pursue a playoff push.
RJ Barrett is only making Raptors’ looming decision on his future more complicated
RJ Barrett is playing for his next contract.
“But I’m Dumb”: Draymond Green Exposes Critics’ Hypocrisy After Caleb Wilson Draws Michael Jordan Comparisons
Warriors star Draymond Green defends his earlier prediction that Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson’s floor is Kevin Garnett after Wilson’s 67 points in his first three games sparked Michael Jordan comparisons. Green, who called Wilson “potentially the best player in this draft” on his podcast, mocks critics for labeling him “dumb” when they now draw parallels to Jordan, who tallied 74 points in his first three games. Wilson’s debut (16 points vs. Raptors, 21 vs. Bucks, 30 with 14 rebounds vs. Wizards) ignited the debate, but Green stresses it’s too early to gauge Hall‑of‑Fame trajectories.
Chris Finch’s Trust in LaMelo Ball Faced an Early Test
In Minnesota’s home opener, coach Chris Finch kept rookie guard LaMelo Ball in the game despite a fourth foul early in the third quarter. Ball answered by scoring 15 points on 5‑for‑8 shooting (4‑for‑5 from three) and dishing eight assists in just 16:44, propelling the Timberwolves to a 117–94 win over Toronto. Finch’s gamble paid off as Minnesota outscored the Raptors by 33 points while Ball was on the floor, and the duo’s growing trust was highlighted by Ball’s praise for Finch.
Ja'Kobe Walter's willingness to let it fly is what the shooting-starved Raptors need
Ja'Kobe Walter green light from three-point land is really helping keep the Raptors perimeter scoring afloat to start the season.
Collin Murray-Boyles has to be more involved in Raptors offense to unlock next level
Collin Murray-Boyles only took three shots in the loss to Minnesota.
Fans want Chris Boucher back on the Raptors after last night’s game
After a 94-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Raptors fans are urging former big man Chris Boucher to return to Toronto. The defeat highlighted scoring blanks from starters Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes, sparking calls for a change at center. Boucher, who last played for the Celtics and posted a supportive tweet on Oct. 26, 2026, received a flood of nostalgic messages from fans. Although his recent averages (2 points, 2 rebounds) and 6'8" frame suggest a limited bench role, supporters hope his defensive presence could boost morale and address the team's interior woes.
Timberwolves’ dominant win was a harsh reminder of Raptors’ glaring roster flaws
The Timberwolves played a strong two-way game, while the Raptors struggled.
The early Jonathan Kuminga returns are dynamite. Now he just needs to keep it up
Jonathan Kuminga sparks a 117-94 win over the Toronto Raptors as the Timberwolves open the season 3-0. The 23‑year‑old tallied 13 points, four rebounds and earned praise from coach Chris Finch for his defense, hustle and rebounding. Kuminga, shooting 48% and averaging 12 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3 assists, adds a triple‑threat skill set alongside Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and LaMelo Ball. A former Warriors champion who won a title at 19, he could be key to Minnesota’s push for a top Western seed as they face the Cavaliers on Monday.
How LaMelo Ball turns hitting Timberwolves teammates in head into a teaching moment
The Minnesota Timberwolves start the 2026‑27 season 3‑0, blowing out the Toronto Raptors in a home win. Point guard LaMelo Ball, praised for his shooting and creative passing, admits he occasionally taps teammates on the head to keep them alert for his unconventional assists, as shown in a Timberwolves YouTube interview. His on‑court chemistry with Anthony Edwards is clicking, though Edwards’ knee flared during the game. With the duo healthy, Minnesota looks poised to contend for a top spot in the Western Conference this season.
Congrats to Timberwolves on no longer having worst winning percentage in NBA history. That’s now the Nets
The Minnesota Timberwolves start the 2026‑27 season 3‑0, blasting the Toronto Raptors in their first home game and lifting their all‑time winning percentage to .42148, edging out the Brooklyn Nets for the league's worst historical record. The win marks a franchise milestone and underscores the Wolves' resurgence after dismantling three former playoff teams. With Anthony Edwards returning from knee woes, LaMelo Ball thriving in his new role, and free‑agent Jonathan Kuminga contributing, Minnesota now looks capable of challenging the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs in the West. The Wolves head to Cleveland next on Monday.
Anthony Edwards’ injury status for Timberwolves-Cavs game ‘could go either way’
The Timberwolves beat the Raptors 117-94, with Anthony Edwards scoring 26 points, and enter their next matchup against the Cavaliers at 3-0. However, Edwards is listed as questionable due to right‑knee injury management, and his availability could go either way, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. Minnesota also lists Donte DiVincenzo (out with Achilles surgery) on the injury report. Cleveland meanwhile has three players out, including Khalifa Diop (knee) and Nae’Qwan Tomlin (back). Fans will be watching closely to see if Edwards suits up for Monday’s game.
Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert wants to ‘continue to dominate offensively,’ but in his own way
Rudy Gobert says he’ll keep “dominating offensively” in his own style after Minnesota’s 117-94 loss to Toronto. He posted 8 points, 13 rebounds and highlighted his impact through screens, offensive boards and spacing rather than traditional post scoring. Gobert is averaging 9.0 points, 12.3 rebounds and a 71.4% field‑goal rate, while entering his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. The Timberwolves start 3‑0 and aim to become a ‘superteam’ alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jonathan Kuminga and Jaden McDaniels as they head to Cleveland on Oct. 27.
Timberwolves Beat Raptors 117-94 Behind Edwards’ 26 Points
Anthony Edwards powers the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 117-94 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 26, 2026, snapping a close first half with a dominant 35-15 third‑quarter run. Edwards tallies 26 points on 10‑of‑18 shooting, while the Wolves shoot 56% overall and 48% from three, improving to 3‑0 and tying Oklahoma City atop the Northwest Division. Toronto’s Ja’Kobe Walter leads the Raptors with 22 points, but the team struggles, shooting just 38% from the field and committing 17 turnovers. Key contributions also come from LaMelo Ball (15 pts, 8 ast) and Rudy Gobert (13 reb).
Northwest Notes: Ball, Gobert, Jazz, Trail Blazers
LaMelo Ball dazzles in his Timberwolves debut, scoring 15 points with eight assists despite early foul trouble, helping Minnesota clinch a third straight win. The trade that sent Naz Reid to Toronto sparks debate, but Ball’s 33‑point surge in just 16:44 on the floor fuels excitement. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert asserts his unchanged role as a dominant shot‑blocker in his 14th season, Luka Dončić blows out the Jazz with 52 points, exposing Utah’s defensive woes, and the Trail Blazers showcase depth with seven players in double figures against Sacramento.
1 stat shows LaMelo Ball trade to Timberwolves has been biggest game-changer in NBA so far this season
LaMelo Ball’s move to the Minnesota Timberwolves has instantly reshaped the NBA landscape. In the Wolves’ 3‑0 start, they’ve won each game by over 20 points—including a 117‑94 victory over Toronto—making them only the third team ever to open a season with three 20‑plus‑point wins. Ball leads the league in plus‑minus, posting 16.0 points, 6.3 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 42.3% from three in just 17‑minute outings. His playmaking, combined with Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, puts Minnesota on a surprising postseason and even Finals‑talk track.
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