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Leonard’s first absence gives young Raptors early test

Kawhi Leonard will reportedly miss his first game since returning to the Toronto Raptors due to knee swelling. This means that Leonard will miss the highly anticipated matchup between the Raptors and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. Ja’Kobe Walter will…

By Kristian Cuaresma · Raptors HQ

Published: Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 10:32 PM

Key Things to Know

Kawhi Leonard will miss Toronto's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to knee swelling.
Ja’Kobe Walter will replace Leonard in the Raptors' starting lineup on Sunday.
The Raptors and Timberwolves both enter the matchup as undefeated teams.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Kawhi Leonard is set to miss his first game of the season for the Toronto Raptors due to knee swelling. The forward will sit out Sunday's matchup between undefeated teams against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Head coach Darko Rajakovic plans to start Ja’Kobe Walter in Leonard's place.

Leonard played 23 and 27 minutes in Toronto's first two games of the season, including a 112-102 win against the Washington Wizards on October 23. Kristian Cuaresma notes that resting Leonard could preserve his health ahead of upcoming games against the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and LA Clippers.

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Leonard’s first absence gives young Raptors early test

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