Kawhi Leonard injury update: Is he playing tonight against the Magic as Raptors face absences?

Leonard ruled out for Toronto

Leonard missed Toronto’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and will not play against Orlando. The NBA injury report lists his issue as left knee effusion and swelling, with the condition expected to keep him out for a few weeks.

Nate Bittle is also unavailable for the Raptors because of a right foot injury. Toronto’s lineup against Minnesota offers a guide to how coach Darko Rajakovic may adjust without Leonard.

Toronto’s expected lineup changes

Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl started against Minnesota. The report expects those four to remain in the starting group, while noting Collin Murray-Boyles could eventually move ahead of Poeltl.

Ja’Kobe Walter is expected to replace Leonard, taking the shooting guard spot as Barrett shifts to small forward. Murray-Boyles, Jamal Shead, Jamison Battle, Allen Graves and Kyle Anderson could also contribute off the bench.

Magic face multiple absences

Orlando will be without Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, Noah Penda and Izaiyah Nelson. Banchero and Suggs are expected to be out for weeks, and Suggs was injured in the team’s most recent game.

Anthony Black is questionable for personal reasons after appearing in one of Orlando’s first three games. The report says a questionable designation generally indicates an even chance of playing.

Possible Orlando starters

The report projects Jase Richardson, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Tristan Da Silva and Wendell Carter Jr. as Orlando’s starting group, while acknowledging uncertainty because the team has not yet played without both Suggs and Banchero. Jamal Cain could instead start at forward alongside Wagner in place of Da Silva.