Quick Answer
Yes. Kawhi Leonard is currently dealing with swelling in his left knee. The Toronto Raptors say he will miss at least a week, possibly longer, and he is set to be checked again around early November 2026. An MRI found no structural damage, which is good news for his long-term health.
If you’ve been searching “is Kawhi Leonard injured,” you’re not the only one. Raptors fans had a great start to the season, then the bad news landed. Here’s everything we know so far, written in plain, simple terms, with the latest facts and timeline.
What Happened to Kawhi Leonard?
Kawhi Leonard felt discomfort in his left knee during his pre-game warm up and was removed from the game around an hour before the Raptors took on the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Raptors lost the game 117-94, their first defeat of the season.
The following day Leonard was taken out for an MRI scan. The scan came back showing no structural damage so there was nothing torn such as ligaments or meniscus. It appears that the issue is swelling, or sometimes referred to by doctors as inflammation. The team have stated that it’s not a new injury but more of a wear and tear issue.
“We’re not overly concerned with any long term damage but we just want to err on the side of caution. Obviously when Kawhi isn’t playing you lose a huge piece but it also gives a lot of opportunities for other guys.” Head coach Darko Rajaković told reporters.
How Long Will Kawhi Leonard Be Out?
The Raptors have now confirmed that Leonard will be unavailable for at least one week whilst he goes through the process. After this week is over we will get another update on his injury and the team will make a decision on when he can get back into full training.
As reported by one of the most reliable NBA journalists – Shams Charania of ESPN – those close to the situation believe Leonard will be out for “a period of weeks”. The team want to make the most of this time. As he had a slow and disrupted off-season, his coaches see this as an opportunity to get him back up to speed properly.
In short, he will be out for at least one to several weeks. A specific date has not been given, however we should get a solid update after his next check-up.
A Look at Kawhi Leonard’s Injury History
Kawhi Leonard has had knee trouble before, which is part of why this new issue worries fans. Here’s a quick rundown of his past knee injuries:
| Year | Team | Injury | Games Missed |
| 2018-19 | Toronto Raptors | Quad injury / load management | 22 |
| 2021 playoffs | LA Clippers | Torn ACL (right knee) | Full 2021-22 season |
| 2023 playoffs | LA Clippers | Torn meniscus (right knee) | Rest of playoffs |
| 2026 (pre-trade) | LA Clippers | Left knee irritation | 3 games |
| 2026-27 season | Toronto Raptors | Left knee swelling | 1+ (ongoing) |
It’s worth pointing out that this is the first time his left knee has caused a real problem. His past major injuries were all in the right knee. That’s a small silver lining for Raptors fans worried about a repeat of his Clippers years.
How Has Kawhi Leonard Played This Season So Far?
Before the injury, Leonard looked sharp. In the two games he played, he put up solid numbers:
- 19.5 points per game
- 7.5 rebounds per game
- 1.5 assists per game
- Around 26 minutes played per game
His shooting was a bit rusty, at just 32.4% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range. That’s normal after a slow pre-season, and most expect those numbers to climb once he’s fully healthy and back in rhythm.
What Does This Mean for the Raptors?
The Raptors acquired Leonard with hopes that he would carry them to a deep playoff run, and even signed him to a multi-year contract extension. While it will obviously be a huge blow to lose Leonard for a few weeks, it is far from devastating. With Leonard in the lineup, Toronto were 2-0, and they lost their first game without him. This shows that while they do need him, they are certainly not falling apart.
In terms of betting odds, the market seem to agree. Despite the injury news, Toronto have remained within the top 6 teams in terms of 2026-27 NBA finals odds. This indicates that bookmakers still believe it is a short term issue.
Is Kawhi Leonard Playing Tonight?
As of now, Leonard is listed as out while he works through his treatment programme. Always check the Raptors’ official injury report on game day, since his status can change quickly once he starts practising again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kawhi Leonard injured right now?
Yes, he has swelling in his left knee and is expected to miss at least a week, possibly several weeks.
Did Kawhi Leonard tear anything in his knee?
No. His MRI showed no structural damage, meaning no torn ligament or meniscus. The issue is swelling, not a tear.
When will Kawhi Leonard return to the Raptors?
There’s no exact date yet. He will be reevaluated after one week of treatment, and a clearer timeline should follow that check-up.
Has Kawhi Leonard had knee injuries before?
Yes. He tore his ACL in his right knee in the 2021 playoffs and tore his meniscus in the same knee in 2023, both while with the LA Clippers.
Is this injury serious?
It doesn’t appear to be. Doctors found no structural damage, and the Raptors describe it as wear and tear rather than a major injury.
