Why is Kawhi Leonard Not Playing Tonight vs Heat? Latest Update on Raptors Star

Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out of the Toronto Raptors’ preseason opener against the Miami Heat. Here’s why the 7-time NBA All-Star isn’t playing tonight.

by Ayomide Adeduyite

Oct 3, 2026

Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out of the Toronto Raptors’ preseason opener against the Miami Heat. Here’s why the 7-time NBA All-Star isn’t playing tonight.

John E&period; Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard will not play when the Toronto Raptors face the Miami Heat in Saturday’s preseason opener at Videotron Centre in Québec City.

The game was expected to be a major moment for Toronto, with Leonard returning to the Raptors after being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers last month. However, the seven-time All-Star will have to wait before making his first appearance since rejoining the franchise.

Leonard has officially been ruled out, leading to speculation about whether his absence is injury-related or part of the team’s approach to ease him into the rotation.

Kawhi Leonard’s Status is Day-to-Day

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2)

Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Leonard is being held out as part of Toronto’s planned ramp-up process rather than because of a new injury.

Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said Friday that Leonard’s status was a “day-to-day thing,” while the team had been taking a cautious approach with him during training camp.

The 35-year-old forward had participated in the drills portion of practice but had not yet taken part in full-contact work. He also sat out Toronto’s intrasquad scrimmage, with the team referring to the process as reconditioning.

When Will Kawhi Leonard Play for Raptors?

Leonard is expected to miss Toronto’s first two preseason games as part of his ramp-up plan, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN. That would also keep him out of the Raptors’ Oct. 10 preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers in Vancouver.

If that plan holds, Leonard would have three remaining opportunities to play before Toronto opens its regular season. The Raptors are clearly prioritizing a gradual buildup for Leonard, who averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 65 games last season.