Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard to rest Tuesday vs. Kings

Coach Nurse, CJ Miles and Danny Green discuss the importance of Kawhi Leonard's 'maintenance days' or whatever he needs to help progress, knowing the importance of having him ready for the Raptors playoff run.

Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard will miss a third straight game Tuesday when the team takes on the Sacramento Kings at Scotiabank Arena.

Leonard is also sitting out the game against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday for what the team is calling “load management,” according to Sportsnet’s Eric Smith. The NBA’s official injury report lists it as a rest day. Leonard, who has not appeared in both ends of a back-to-back set in 2018-19, is expected back on the lineup for Friday’s game against the Houston Rockets.

Leonard is averaging 27.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 36 games this season. The Raptors are 10-2 without him in the lineup.

Toronto previously ruled out Jonas Valanciunas (left thumb) and OG Anunoby (personal reasons) for Tuesday’s game. Anunoby is expected back later this week.

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