Kawhi Leonard to miss 3–4 weeks due to left knee swelling
Raptors say inflammation, not structural damage, is delaying his return and he may not be back until the second half of November.
Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss at least three to four weeks after developing swelling in his left knee, a new setback for the Toronto Raptors at the start of the NBA season.
Journalist Chris Haynes reported that the veteran forward’s recovery timeline has been extended. Toronto had initially planned a re-evaluation after one week, but the latest assessments indicate Leonard’s return may not come until the second half of November.
Medical update and club approach
Examinations have not revealed acute structural damage to the knee, yet the club is taking a cautious approach to his rehabilitation given Leonard’s lengthy history of injuries. The organisation wants him to return fully ready rather than risk further aggravation.
"This is a little longer than many expected or hoped for. The inflammation needs to subside, and then the situation should be assessed and a decision made on the next steps," Chris Haynes reported.
Leonard has produced solid numbers in the season’s opening games: across the first two fixtures he averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 26 minutes per contest.
The Raptors will now manage his workload and monitor the swelling, with the club’s medical staff setting the timetable for any gradual return to full basketball activity.
Photo: EssentiallySports @ES_sportsnews (X)
