Kawhi Leonard Timeline Update Is Not Good News For Raptors

The injury epidemic has hit full-bore in the NBA this week. Several high profile players going down for a considerable length of time, and of course, Kawhi Leonard is one of them. The early reports on Kawhi's timeline for a return were a bit uncertain. 'He will be reevaluated next week', they said. But the latest from insider Chris Haynes on Thursday paints a far worse picture, as he says that Leonard will be out for at least three to four weeks. 

Haynes Headlines: Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard (knee) is expected to be sidelined for at least 3-4 weeks, sources tell me. @NBATV https://t.co/nlbZ0IKizP

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 29, 2026

 "I think it's a little bit longer than what people were expecting or we're hoping," said Haynes on NBA TV. "From what I'm told, they have to wait until the inflammation is limited and at the end of that three to four-week window, they will assess where to go from there."

Leonard has started his second stint in Toronto a bit slowly, averaging 19.5 points per game in the two contests he played, and his shooting percentages are way off. His defense has been stellar, as always, and he's averaged 3.5 steals per game. 

The Raptors have gone 1-1 in his absence so far, suffering a 23-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Anthony Edwards' final game for a while, but then bouncing back for a decisive 30-point win over the Orlando Magic. 

Toronto is 3-1 on the young season, with RJ Barrett leading the way at 22 ppg, and Scottie Barnes at 19.8 ppg. 

The early returns seem to indicate that Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamison Battle will benefit most by picking up extra minutes in Leonard's absence.  

Kawhi offered an apology to Toronto fans for being out of the lineup.