Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard was sidelined for Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to swelling in his left knee. The team announced the injury just one hour before tip-off in Minneapolis, confirming the presence of a joint effusion—an abnormal accumulation of fluid around the knee joint.
The Raptors fell to the Timberwolves 117-94 in Leonard’s absence. Following the contest, head coach Darko Rajakovic stated that Leonard is scheduled for additional medical evaluations on Monday to determine a timeline for his return. The team’s next scheduled game is Wednesday at home against the Orlando Magic.
Late scratch in Minnesota
Leonard did not appear on the Raptors’ injury report until shortly before the game began at the Target Center. The Raptors changed their approach after Kawhi Leonard missed the team's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves due to left knee inflammation.
Before the Sunday absence, Leonard had played in Toronto’s first two games of the season. He recorded 16 points on 7-of-20 shooting in 28 minutes during a win against the Washington Wizards last Friday, following a 23-point performance in 24 minutes during the season opener against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
History of knee management
The 35-year-old forward has a well-documented history of managing knee issues throughout his 15-year professional career. Since his NBA debut with the San Antonio Spurs in 2011, the seven-time All-Star has averaged only 53 regular-season games played per year. Leonard rejoined the Toronto franchise this season after spending the previous seven years with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The medical staff’s assessment on Monday will be the primary factor in determining whether Leonard is available for the upcoming home stretch. The team has not yet released further details regarding the severity of the effusion or the specific treatment plan beyond the upcoming diagnostic tests.
Status for the Orlando series
The Raptors are set to host the Orlando Magic this Wednesday. Any updates regarding Leonard’s availability for that matchup are expected to follow the conclusion of the medical screenings scheduled for Monday.
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