Kawhi Leonard scores 23 points in Raptors return

Leonard is continuing the reconditioning process after receiving treatment to address swelling in his left knee, according to the Raptors. They’ll provide another update on Leonard a week from now. Ja’Kobe Walter will continue to start in his absence.

Because of a left knee effusion and swelling, Leonard has not played in a game since October 23. He’s progressed in his recovery and will return to Toronto to ramp up. Leonard will be re-evaluated in one week, so a return to game action may be close. Ja’Kobe Walter should remain in the starting lineup until Leonard returns.

According to Shams, an MRI revealed no structural damage, but the Raptors are being cautious with the superstar and will keep an eye on his knee while ramping him back up. In his absence, Ja’Kobe Walter should see an increased role. Walter started on Sunday and finished with 22/4/2 with three “stocks” and five triples. Guys like Jamal Shead and Collin Murray-Boyles could also be in line for bumps in playing time, but Walter is the preferred add from a fantasy basketball perspective.

Due to left knee swelling, Kawhi Leonard will not play in Sunday’s game. Walter will replace him in the starting lineup, and the third-year wing is worth streaming in deep leagues because of the opportunity.

A late addition to the Raptors’ injury report, Leonard will not play on Sunday due to swelling in his left knee. Ja’Kobe Walter will likely replace him in the starting lineup, which could slightly raise his fantasy ceiling.

Kawhi had a quiet night with only 27 minutes played. They didn’t really need him as much given where the game was at near the end. The Raptors will be trying to manage Kawhi’s minutes as the season goes along. He also won’t shoot 36.8% from the field very often, so don’t panic there.

Leonard spent the 2018-19 season in Toronto, delivering the franchise’s only championship. The 35-year-old small forward is set to make his return in the Raptors’ season opener against the Bulls Wednesday. He’ll start alongside Quickly, Barrett, Barnes and Poeltl.

Leonard only played 17 minutes in the first game of his second stint as a Raptor, but his impact was immediate and clear. Sure, it came against the Knicks’ bench, but it was still encouraging to see the entire team play as well as they did. Leonard should be ready to play his normal role in the season opener against the Bulls on Wednesday, and he’ll still have one more chance to play this preseason, either in New York on Thursday or in Detroit on Friday.

Leonard sat out previous preseason outings, though it wasn’t because of an injury. He’ll suit up against New York for the first game of his second stint with Toronto. Expect him to play a limited role in the exhibition match.

The Raptors have experience with how to approach Leonard’s availability, as the team exercised caution with him during his first stint with the franchise. The training staff is taking a similar approach, as he was not made available for Saturday’s preseason opener against the Heat in Quebec City. According to TSN, Leonard is also expected to sit out the Raptors’ second exhibition, which is scheduled for October 10 in Vancouver against the Clippers. Fantasy managers don’t have much to worry about regarding Leonard’s availability once the regular season begins. However, the injury management may give some managers pause when evaluating whether to select him with an early-round pick in drafts.