Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic preview: Toronto faces first test without Kawhi Leonard
The Toronto Raptors aim to rebound against the Orlando Magic on October 28, 2026, following a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to left knee swelling, players like RJ Barrett and Ja’Kobe Walter must step up. Orlando seeks momentum after securing its first win against the Knicks.
Photo: Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors will look to return to winning ways when they host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto enters the matchup with a 2-1 record, but the biggest storyline is the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who will miss at least one week because of swelling in his left knee.
The Raptors are coming off their first loss of the 2026-27 NBA season, a 117-94 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. Orlando, meanwhile, arrives in Toronto with a 1-2 record after securing its first victory of the campaign against the New York Knicks.
Wednesday’s game will be the first of two meetings between the teams in three days, with the Magic returning to Scotiabank Arena on Friday for an NBA Cup matchup.
Raptors look to bounce back without Kawhi Leonard
Toronto opened its season with an impressive 135-92 victory over the Chicago Bulls, followed by a 112-102 road win against the Washington Wizards. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors in Washington with 28 points and 14 rebounds, helping the team improve to 2-0 before its setback in Minnesota.
Leonard was ruled out shortly before Sunday’s game after experiencing swelling in his left knee. The Raptors subsequently announced that the 35-year-old forward would undergo treatment and rehabilitation before being re-evaluated in one week.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP has averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals in his first two regular-season appearances since returning to Toronto during the offseason.
His absence presents an early challenge for head coach Darko Rajakovic, particularly with the Raptors still adjusting to their new-look roster.
RJ Barrett leads Toronto with 21.0 points per game, followed by Immanuel Quickley at 18.0 and Barnes at 17.0. Quickley also averages a team-high 5.0 assists, while Barnes contributes 7.7 rebounds per contest.
One area requiring improvement is perimeter shooting. Through three games, Toronto has connected on just 26.2% of its three-point attempts, despite averaging 113.7 points per game.
Ja’Kobe Walter could play an important role in addressing that issue.
The 22-year-old replaced Leonard in the starting lineup against Minnesota and responded with a team-high 22 points, including five three-pointers. Walter is averaging 13.0 points through three games while shooting 40% from beyond the arc.
Rajakovic has indicated that Walter will receive additional playing time, although his role in the starting lineup will depend on matchups.
For Toronto, Wednesday’s contest will provide an opportunity to assess its offensive balance without Leonard, with Barnes, Barrett and Quickley expected to carry additional responsibility.
Orlando Magic arrive after first victory of the season
Orlando endured a difficult opening week, losing 132-125 to the Atlanta Hawks before falling 115-93 against Minnesota.
The Magic responded with a 111-102 road victory over the Knicks on Sunday, earning their first win under head coach Sean Sweeney.
Franz Wagner led Orlando with 23 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists, finishing one assist shy of a triple-double.
Wagner has been one of the team’s most consistent contributors, averaging 21.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists through three games.
Paolo Banchero has also provided significant offensive production, averaging 24.5 points and 7.5 assists in two appearances. He scored 35 points in Orlando’s season opener against Atlanta.
Wendell Carter Jr. has contributed 17.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, giving the Magic another option around the basket.
Orlando enters the matchup averaging 109.7 points while allowing 116.3 per game. Toronto has conceded 103.7 points per contest, although both teams are working with a limited sample early in the season.
The Magic’s combination of size and offensive versatility presents a challenge for the Raptors, particularly with Banchero and Wagner capable of creating opportunities for themselves and their teammates.
What to watch in Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic
Toronto’s ability to generate consistent scoring without Leonard will be central to Wednesday’s matchup.
Barnes will be looking to respond after being held scoreless against Minnesota, while Walter’s perimeter shooting could help create additional space for the Raptors’ offence.
Rebounding will also be important. Toronto averages 46.0 rebounds per game, while Orlando’s opponents have collected 49.3, an area the Raptors could look to exploit.
For the Magic, the challenge will be maintaining the offensive execution displayed against New York while limiting Toronto’s opportunities in transition.
The Raptors currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, with Orlando in 10th place. Although the season remains in its opening stages, the two-game series offers both teams an opportunity to establish momentum.
For Toronto, the immediate objective is straightforward: recover from Sunday’s defeat and demonstrate that its depth can keep the team competitive while Leonard works toward his return.
