RAPTORS KEEP LEONARD OUT AGAINST T-WOLVES

MINNEAPOLIS — Toronto Raptors star forward Kawhi Leonard was held out of the team’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night because of swelling in his left knee.

Leonard did not appear on the injury report for the Raptors until an hour before tipoff at Minnesota. The team announced he had an effusion, which is an abnormal buildup of excess fluid around the joint.

Coach Darko Rajakovic said after the 117-94 loss to the Timberwolves that Leonard would undergo further medical testing today before his timeline for returning to action is determined.

Leonard, who returned this season to the Raptors after leading them to the NBA championship in 2019, had 16 points on 7-for-20 shooting in 28 minutes in Toronto’s victory at Washington on Friday. The 35-year-old, who spent the last seven seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, has been hampered by knee trouble throughout his decorated 15-year career.

— from the news services