With Kawhi Leonard sitting out the game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Toronto Raptors have named Norman Powell as his replacement in the starting lineup.

The Raptors opted to rest Kawhi Leonard in the game, paving the way for Norman Powell to get the starting job.

Kawhi Leonard has averaged 26.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals through the five games he played in for the Raptors. However, he has been logging 35 minutes on a nightly basis, pushing Toronto to give their superstar some time off to recuperate and avoid any serious injury.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Ranking 5 best Darius Garland trade destinations if Cavs blow it up
Ranking 5 best Darius Garland trade destinations if Cavs blow it up
Collin Murray-Boyles, Noa Essengue, Khaman Maluach in the middle, Head coach Darko Rajakovic, and GM Bobby Webster around them, Toronto Raptors wallpaper in the background
Toronto Raptors’ 3 best options for No. 9 pick in 2025 NBA Draft

Norman Powell, meanwhile, has already started once for the Raptors this season. He started and played in 24 minutes against the Washington Wizards in their third game of the season, notching seven points and five boards.

The 25-year-old guard-forward is averaging 5.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game this season. Powell had his best game against the Minnesota Timberwolves last week as he put up 10 points and dished out a couple of assists in 13 minutes of action.

The Bucks-Raptors game was supposed to be the marquee match-up of the young season. After all, it is the first time in NBA history that two undefeated teams will go against each other. Both teams are currently 6-0 and share the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

However, the match lost a bit of its luster when the Raptors announced that Leonard would not play in the game to rest. Shortly after, Milwaukee confirmed that two-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo would also be out due to concussion protocol.