Kawhi Leonard's Toronto Debut Headlines Knicks-Raptors Preseason Tilt

Kawhi Leonard's expected Raptors debut gives Toronto the most intriguing storyline in this preseason matchup.

NYK @ TOR Oct 13, 2026 at 11:00 PM UTC

The most compelling development in this preseason meeting is the expected arrival of Kawhi Leonard. Raptors coach Darko Rajaković has said Leonard is available against the Knicks, and if he plays, Toronto's lineup and the shape of this matchup change. Even in limited minutes, a star of his caliber gives the Raptors a scoring and defensive presence New York's wings will have to account for.

Toronto's depth is a question, though. Trayce Jackson-Davis (teeth), Alijah Martin (knee) and Chucky Hepburn (hamstring) are all questionable, which could thin the rotation and put a premium on whoever fills those minutes. The Knicks are without center N'Faly Dante, who is out with a knee issue, but that matters less for a team whose frontcourt is anchored by Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Knicks' approach should shape the night more than anything. Mike Brown is expected to stick with the opening-night group of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Towns, but the expectation is that none of those five plays more than 20 minutes. That means plenty of bench players auditioning for roster spots, with starters mostly shaking off rust. New York enters 0-2 in the preseason and Toronto 1-1, though those records say little about what either team is building toward.

The prediction comes down to minutes. Both teams will lean on reserves, but Toronto has a clear star storyline and home floor, while New York's depth chart is being tested without its top group for long stretches. Expect a choppy, uneven game with the Raptors getting enough from Leonard and their rotation players to edge a Knicks team still working through preseason rust. Raptors 108, Knicks 104.

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