Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard could play first back-to-back of season Sunday

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) moves up court. (Frank Gunn/CP)

Steven Loung January 5, 2019, 7:30 PM

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to play against the Indiana Pacers Sunday evening, head coach Nick Nurse told reporters Saturday.

Nurse: Lowry (back) out tonight vs. Bucks, but is doing well. JV (thumb) is doing well and may be ahead of schedule for return. For the moment Kawhi expected to play vs. Indy on second night of back to back.

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) January 6, 2019

If he does play this would mark the first time in his Raptors career he plays both nights of a back-to-back as he will be in the lineup for Toronto Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Toronto has been cautious with its star acquisition all season resting him in at least one of the back-to-back games they’ve played this season as he’s recovered from a quad injury that saw him play just nine games last season.

It now appears Leonard may be back to full strength.

This is welcoming news for a Raptors team that has found itself in a swoon after a hot start, spurred on by a back injury to starting point guard Kyle Lowry, who is once again out Saturday, the 10th game in 11 overall he’s been unavailable.

[relatedlinks]

Sportsnet.ca no longer supports comments.