Toronto is 2-1 and fourth in the conference, and it starts this week without Kawhi Leonard, who is out with swelling in his left knee. The first two games are at home against a Magic team missing even more, and the three after that are on the road in the West.
Orlando, Twice Over
The Magic come to Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday, October 28, and again on Friday, October 30. The second game counts in the Emirates NBA Cup. Both teams get two days of rest before the opener, and Orlando arrives on the first of two straight road games. The Magic are 1-2 and will be without Paolo Banchero, who averaged 24.5 points in his two games, along with Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, Noah Penda and Izaiyah Nelson, all out. That leaves Franz Wagner at 21.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists, and Wendell Carter Jr. at 17.0 points and 8.7 boards. Orlando has scored 106.5 points per 100 possessions. Toronto has allowed 97.8. This is the opponent that matters most this week: the Magic sit tenth today, Toronto is 1.5 games clear of eleventh, and these are the softest games on the schedule before the travel starts.
Three Cities, Four Days
The trip opens Sunday, November 1, at the Lakers, then goes to the Clippers the next night, November 2, and on to Denver on November 4. That makes it three road games in four days, with a back-to-back in Los Angeles. The Athletic reported that Leonard will miss the Clippers game, his return to the team he left. Nate Bittle, out with a right foot problem, is listed to return November 2, which would add a body to a frontcourt where Jakob Poeltl is averaging 3.0 points.
Who Absorbs the Load
TSN's Josh Lewenberg reported that the Raptors said an MRI showed no acute injury and that Leonard will be reevaluated in one week. He also reported that Leonard will miss at least the next four games. ESPN, citing sources, reported he will be out for weeks. The minutes are already moving. Walter is at 33.7 over his last five games. RJ Barrett is up 10 minutes and averaging 21.0 points, but he has made 9.1 percent of his threes. Jamal Shead has gone from a bench role to 11 more minutes. Barrett's volume will keep the offense afloat against Orlando. His shooting is the bigger question in Los Angeles and Denver.
When will Kawhi Leonard return for the Raptors?
Leonard is out with swelling in his left knee and will be reevaluated in one week, according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg. ESPN reported he is expected to miss weeks, and The Athletic reported he will miss the November 2 game against the Clippers.
Is the Raptors vs. Magic game on October 30 an NBA Cup game?
Yes. The second of the two home games against Orlando, on Friday, October 30, counts in the Emirates NBA Cup.
