Kawhi Leonard Available for 2026 Raptors Debut Tuesday Against Knicks

Through two preseason games, the Toronto Raptors have been uncomfortably similar to last season. Playing without seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard as he continues to ramp up to game conditioning, Toronto must rely on its offseason progression to be able to compete with the league’s top teams. 

Struggling to score against the new-look Miami Heat led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t be a rare occurrence for any team this year, and the Raptors proved they were no exception. They made a habit of beating up on average teams and failing to find consistent half-court offense against the elite defenses. Toronto shot 39% from the field and 29% from three, and the lack of direction remained evident when the shots weren’t falling.

Against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2, it seemed very little could go wrong. Percentages shot up to 51% from the field and 41% from three, and the Raptors were effectively able to use their stellar defense and transition offense to boost their confidence moving into the half-court. Without newly acquired two-time All-Star Brandon Ingram, the Clippers didn’t stand much of a chance when RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley combined for 38 points on 68% shooting with eight threes made. 

Heading into the third of five preseason games, the Raptors are set to face off with the reigning champion New York Knicks at Scotiabank Arena. Playing against the former best team in the league is a brilliant opportunity to test how well the offseason really went, and that question may be answered with the latest update on Leonard. Head coach Darko Rajakovic was asked about the availability of players for Tuesday night's exhibition after practice Monday.

"[Leonard] went through practice today," said Rajakovic. "He's feeling great. So yes, he's going to be available for the game tomorrow."

It’s unclear roughly how many minutes he’d play if he did suit up, but his impact on both ends is inevitable, and necessary for the Raptors’ success in 2027. It’s no secret that his presence alone will help those around him. Capturing the opposing defense’s attention will allow for Barrett and Quickley to play freer and find easier opportunities to score. The same goes for the defensive side of the basketball, as the two-time DPOY will take up a large portion of the floor, along with Scottie Barnes, who finished fifth in the award race last season. Raptors fans are eager to see the new fluidity of the offense with Leonard running the show, and regardless of the stakes, there is no better test than against the reigning champs.