Kawhi Leonard was cleared from day-to-day status on October 12, and Sportsnet reported he is expected to make his preseason debut tonight against a Knicks team playing the second of two games in seven days. Toronto arrives off a 114-106 win over the Clippers, with center Jamarion Sharp now on the roster after the club waived Chucky Hepburn.
Tonight's Matchup
Leonard's day-to-day stretch ended on October 12. The Knicks arrive on the second game of a back-to-back, with the Raptors coming off two days' rest after beating the Clippers 114-106. Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, both acquired from New York in the trade that sent OG Anunoby to the Knicks, play this matchup with something extra attached every time.
Roster Swap
Toronto signed seven-foot-five center Jamarion Sharp on October 13, the same day it waived Chucky Hepburn. The move keeps payroll at $202.5 million, above the $200.4 million luxury tax line. Minutes are already shifting in camp: Ja'Kobe Walter has played 33.7 minutes a night over his last five games, and Jamal Shead is logging 11 more minutes a night than usual with a teammate out.
What's Next
After tonight, Toronto plays at the Knicks again on October 15, then at Detroit on October 16, before the regular-season opener October 21 against the Bulls. Jakob Poeltl's contract situation, tied to Leonard's and Shead's extensions in an October 1 notes piece, still has no specifics attached to it.
Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight for the Raptors?
He was cleared from day-to-day status on October 12, and Sportsnet reported he is expected to make his preseason debut against the Knicks tonight.
Who did the Raptors sign and cut this week?
Toronto signed center Jamarion Sharp on October 13 and waived guard Chucky Hepburn the same day.
