Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard will sit out Sunday afternoon's contest against the Orlando Magic, according to Blake Murphy of The Athletic:

The Raptors have been fairly cautious with Leonard, as he has played in 44 of the team's 60 games this season. But Leonard is also averaging a career-high 34.8 minutes per game, warranting a few days off here and there.

Leonard was the subject of controversy for much of last season with the San Antonio Spurs. He dealt with a nagging quadriceps injury, but many in the basketball community wondered if he might be healthy enough to play and just decided not to suit up because he wanted out.

Danny Green — a former teammate of Leonard's in San Antonio and now current teammate with Toronto — has repeatedly come to Leonard's defense.

Leonard was booed profusely by Spurs fans during the player introductions of his return to San Antonio on Jan. 3, a game in which the Spurs dominated the Raptors in a 125-107 victory.

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The extent of Leonard's injury may never be known, but the Raptors are not taking any chances with their 27-year-old superstar.

The former NBA Finals MVP is averaging career highs with 29.6 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting close to 50 percent from the field, and he may gather some consideration for the league's Most Valuable Player award at season's end.

The Raptors have actually had plenty of success when Leonard sits, going 13-3 this season without Leonard in the rotation.

Toronto will look to continue its momentum after its most recent win against San Antonio and gain ground on the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks with a win over the Magic.