Knicks Face Raptors as Kawhi Leonard Makes Preseason Debut

The defending champion New York Knicks traveled to Toronto to face the Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on October 13, 2026, as both teams continued their preparations for the NBA regular season. The preseason matchup centered on Kawhi Leonard's anticipated Toronto debut, while New York managed player workloads on the second night of a back-to-back schedule. According to Sports Illustrated, Leonard participated fully in practice before the game after missing Toronto's first two preseason contests.

His expected appearance offered the Raptors an opportunity to assess his role alongside Scottie Barnes and the team's other established players, although his playing time was expected to remain limited. Toronto had split its opening two preseason games, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers before losing to Miami. The Knicks entered the contest after three consecutive preseason defeats, including a 122-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on the previous night, according to Posting and Toasting.

The teams were also scheduled to meet again at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, giving both sides another opportunity to evaluate their lineups before the regular season begins.

Leonard's return followed a major offseason transaction that reshaped Toronto's roster. According to Posting and Toasting, the Raptors acquired him from the Clippers in a deal finalized in mid-September after an NBA investigation delayed an agreement initially reached in June. Toronto sent Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to Los Angeles, along with unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, second-round selections in 2030 and 2033, and a 2027 first-round pick swap. Leonard subsequently signed a two-year, $115 million extension.

The Raptors also selected forward Allen Graves 19th overall and guard Jaden Bradley 50th in the draft. They added veteran forward Kyle Anderson on a one-year minimum contract, re-signed Alijah Martin, and extended guard Jamal Shead to a three-year, $24 million deal. Toronto entered the preseason after a 46-36 campaign that secured the fifth seed last season. Posting and Toasting reported that coach Darko Rajakovic's team finished among the league's top five defenses, while its offense ranked closer to the middle of the pack.

Leonard's integration could affect how Barnes handles the ball and creates scoring opportunities. Yardbarker's Raptors Republic coverage identified their changing offensive responsibilities as a key area to monitor, including whether Barnes would receive more opportunities attacking the basket or spend additional time positioned away from the ball. Toronto's other important matchup involved center Jakob Poeltl, whose mobility and defensive effectiveness would be tested against New York's Karl-Anthony Towns.

Poeltl had shown encouraging movement during the preseason, according to Raptors Republic, but the matchup offered another assessment of his condition and ability to defend a high-level offensive center. Ja'Kobe Walter was another player to watch as Toronto considered his place in the second unit. Sports Illustrated noted that Leonard's return to the lineup could provide Walter with more opportunities to develop in a reserve role ahead of the regular season.

New York, meanwhile, was expected to rely more heavily on its reserves because coach Mike Brown intended to rest his starters following the previous night's game. Posting and Toasting identified Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek, and Landry Shamet as players likely to receive extended minutes, while James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks, and Tony Bradley were expected to continue competing for opportunities at center.

The Knicks had defeated Toronto 112-95 in their previous meeting on April 10. Jalen Brunson scored 29 points, while Towns recorded 22 points and 10 rebounds. Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram each scored 15 points for Toronto, according to Posting and Toasting.