Knicks gave Raptors the perfect opportunity to ease Kawhi Leonard back into action

Kawhi Leonard’s preseason debut will be a lot less exciting with the Knicks’ starters resting.

By Elaine Blum · Raptors Rapture

Published: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 2:00 PM

Key Things to Know

The writer argues the Knicks resting starters offers Toronto the ideal chance to ease Kawhi Leonard into action.
Kawhi Leonard is expected to make his Toronto Raptors preseason debut against the New York Knicks.
Knicks starters will reportedly sit out the contest due to playing on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Kawhi Leonard is expected to make his preseason debut for the Toronto Raptors against the New York Knicks after sitting out the first two games. According to a report by Stefan Bondy, the Knicks plan to rest their starting lineup on the second night of a back-to-back, giving Leonard a lighter environment to adjust to coach Darko Rajakovic's system.

Raptors Rapture writer Elaine Blum views the matchup as an ideal scenario for Leonard to build on-court chemistry with teammates like Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. The Raptors are scheduled to face the Knicks again later in the week before concluding preseason play against the Detroit Pistons.

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Knicks gave Raptors the perfect opportunity to ease Kawhi Leonard back into action

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