The Toronto Raptors concluded their final practice at Laval University on Friday ahead of their preseason opener against the Miami Heat, raising questions about the availability of star forward Kawhi Leonard. Leonard, who returned to Toronto in a high-profile trade from the Los Angeles Clippers this past summer, has yet to participate in full-contact drills following a cautious approach during training camp due to his injury history.

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic indicated that Leonard’s participation in Saturday’s game at the Videotron Centre remains uncertain. Although Rajakovic made a lighthearted remark about Leonard’s performance in a one-on-one session, suggesting he might play, the priority remains Leonard’s health and a gradual reintegration. With the Raptors managing his minutes carefully, the coach described Leonard’s status as a “day-to-day” matter.

Saturday’s game marks the first NBA regular-season contest hosted in Quebec City, with the venue already sold out. The matchup pits the Raptors against a Miami Heat team that has bolstered its roster with the addition of perennial All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Alongside Miami’s improvements, the Eastern Conference has undergone significant changes, with the arrivals of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia raising competitive stakes.

Rajakovic expressed confidence in his squad following the initial days of training camp but emphasized the importance of the upcoming preseason games to assess the team’s progress. "Every team in the NBA is super-excited at this time of year... The game tomorrow will also give us a lot of answers," he said, acknowledging the shift from internal drills to facing outside opponents.

Most of the Raptors’ regular players are expected to take the floor against the Heat, potentially including point guard Immanuel Quickley. Quickley noted his admiration for Leonard’s well-rounded style of play, particularly his two-way impact on both offense and defense. “My dad got me to watch Leonard play when he was with the Spurs,” Quickley said, citing Leonard as a model for his own approach to the game.

Following the preseason outing in Quebec City, the Raptors will continue their training camp in British Columbia. Their next preseason game is scheduled against the Los Angeles Clippers, Leonard’s former team, on October 10 in Vancouver.

Rajakovic acknowledged the unique support the Raptors receive across Canadian cities. “We are a little bit spoiled everywhere we go in Canada,” he said. “We are spoiled but at the same time very grateful, as we understand the importance of the Raptors in the different Canadian cities and communities, and the influence the team has on the younger generation.”