Shead on conditioning: Way ahead of where I was in my first two years

Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead stated that his conditioning is significantly ahead of where it was during his first two NBA seasons. Shead prioritized endurance training after playing increased minutes during the postseason, aiming to prepare his body for demanding regular-season and playoff workloads as Toronto readies to face the New York Knicks at Scotiabank Arena.

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic also announced that Kawhi Leonard is available to play against the Knicks, though he is expected to have restricted first-half minutes. Meanwhile, the Knicks are anticipated to rest their starters on the second night of a back-to-back following a 122-104 preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.