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The Toronto Raptors announced that Kawhi Leonard would not play in Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves because of swelling in his left knee. The scratch was revealed less than an hour before the scheduled start, leaving the team without its key offseason acquisition.
No additional information about the injury was disclosed beyond the knee swelling. This development comes after a similar issue last season when Leonard, then with the Los Angeles Clippers, was sent home from a road trip in January due to left knee irritation. He subsequently missed three games before returning to the lineup.
Injury History and Implications
Importantly, the current swelling is not in the same knee that has undergone reconstructive surgery. Leonard has previously suffered tears to the ACL and meniscus in his right knee, which have caused him to miss substantial playing time. The Raptors and their fan base are undoubtedly hopeful that this swelling will subside quickly and that Leonard can return to action soon.
Leonard was reacquired by Toronto via trade this offseason, eight years after he led the franchise to its first and only NBA championship. When healthy, he and All-Star Scottie Barnes form one of the league's premier two-way wing duos and the foundation of a team with championship aspirations.
In Leonard's first two games back with the Raptors, the team jumped out to a 2-0 start with victories over the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. During that stretch, Leonard averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game, though he struggled with his shooting, making only 12 of 37 field goal attempts (32.4%).
Following the Timberwolves game, Toronto faces back-to-back contests against the Orlando Magic this week before taking on the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
Originally reported by yahoo.