Kawhi Leonard Expected to Miss Weeks with Left Knee Injury

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in his left knee, according to ESPN. The sudden absence follows a late scratch on October 25, 2026, when the franchise listed him on the injury report shortly before tip-off against the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to DAZN.

MRI Scans Show No Structural Damage

An initial magnetic resonance imaging exam on Leonard’s left knee revealed no structural damage or acute injury, according to reporting cited by ESPN. Despite the clean scan, the team’s medical staff and front office opted for a cautious rehabilitation timeline following the offseason stoppages. The seven-time All-Star accumulated excess fluid in the joint, prompting head coach Darko Rajakovic to hold him out while further evaluations took place. The team announced that he had an effusion, which is an abnormal accumulation of excess fluid around the joint. Following the 117-94 defeat against the Timberwolves, head coach Darko Rajakovic noted that Leonard would undergo further medical tests on Monday before a timeline for his return to action was determined.

Two Games Played Since Summer Return

Leonard returned to the Raptors this summer after spending the previous seven seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, adding to a career path that included leading Toronto to the 2019 NBA championship. Kawhi, traded this summer from Los Angeles and subsequently renewed, has played two official matches with the Raptors before swelling the injured list. In his first two official appearances of the 2026-27 campaign, he averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in just over 26 minutes per contest, helping secure victories against the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls before the knee swelling flared up. Both ended in victory against the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls respectively. During the victories, he scored 16 points with 7 of 20 from the field in 28 minutes in the victory in Washington on Friday, and totaled 23 points with 5 of 17 from the field in 24 minutes in the opening triumph in Chicago on Wednesday night. The 35-year-old player, who spent the last seven seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, has been limited by knee issues throughout his standout 15-year career. The seven-time All-Star has averaged barely 53 games played per regular season since his debut with the San Antonio Spurs in 2011. The forward has missed more than 100 games in the last four years, and was unable to dispute the 2021/22 season due to a cruciate ligament injury when he played in Los Angeles Clippers. Traded back to Toronto this summer, the team he led to conquer the ring in 2019, Leonard has played two matches this season, in which he averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals.

Upcoming Schedule Without the Star Forward

The team’s immediate fixture takes place at home against the Orlando Magic, followed by matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Milwaukee Bucks in early November. Kawhi Leonard has also spoken out on social media about his absence and wanted to send a message to the fans: It is always frustrating to have to miss games. I came back to compete with this team and I am focused on recovering 100%. Toronto, I appreciate all the love you have shown me since I’ve been back. I’ll be back soon. God be with you. According to Shams Charania, Leonard could be out for several weeks.

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