Kawhi Leonard will not play for the Toronto Raptors in their preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. The star forward is continuing a measured conditioning program after rejoining the team via a major September trade. This news comes as the Raptors build on their recent 114-106 preseason victory over those same Clippers back on October 10.
Leonard is taking a patient approach to his return to NBA game action. He has only completed a handful of full practices with his new teammates since the blockbuster deal that sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and draft assets to Los Angeles. The Raptors' medical and coaching staff are prioritizing a full ramp-up for the regular season over rushing him into exhibition contests. It's a long-term strategy focused on having him at full strength when the games truly count.
Leonard is coming off an outstanding individual season where he averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 65 games for the Clippers. The two-time Finals MVP is a major talent. Toronto knows exactly what he can deliver, having seen him lead the franchise to its only championship in 2019. Getting his conditioning and timing right is the absolute priority right now.
The most likely target for Leonard's return is the team's next preseason fixture. Toronto hosts the New York Knicks at home on Tuesday, October 13. However, the organization has not confirmed his participation for that game. If he doesn't play then, his final chance for preseason minutes would be the exhibition finale against the Detroit Pistons on October 16.
The regular season tips off on October 21, so the clock is ticking. But the Raptors are clearly willing to be cautious. They want to avoid any setbacks with a player of his caliber. Fans eager to see him back in red and white will need to monitor the official injury reports leading up to each game. You can always check the latest availability updates on our injuries page.
Toronto's preseason results have been a mixed bag, which is typical for this time of year. They opened their exhibition schedule with a tough 105-129 loss to the Miami Heat on October 3. The response was positive, though. The team bounced back to beat the LA Clippers 114-106 just a week later.
These games are primarily for evaluating rotations, testing new schemes, and building chemistry. The absence of a player like Leonard obviously changes the lineup dynamics. It gives other players more opportunity to show what they can do in extended minutes. Coaches use these games to gather data and make final roster decisions before the real action begins.
The win over the Clippers, even in preseason, provides a confidence boost. It shows the team can compete and execute without its biggest star. That depth will be important over the grueling 82-game NBA schedule. The focus now shifts to integrating Leonard whenever he is cleared, a process that will define their early-season trajectory. The full preseason and regular season schedule is available on our schedule page.
