Toronto Raptors star small forward Kawhi Leonard hasn't played in back-to-backs this season, and that trend will continue on Saturday when the team takes on the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kawhi Leonard played 32 minutes on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers and finished with 37 points and six rebounds in the Raptors' blowout win at home.
Raptors head coach Nick Nurse told reporters after the game that Leonard won't play on Saturday versus Jimmy Butler and the Sixers.
Kawhi Leonard will not play in Philly tomorrow, Nurse says. Will continue to rest half of the back-to-back.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 22, 2018
Raptors general manager Bobby Webster recently said that health is the biggest priority with Kawhi Leonard. The two-time Defensive player of the Year only played in nine games last season due to a lingering quadriceps injury with the San Antonio Spurs, so Toronto is just being safe with their superstar player this season.
Kawhi Leonard can become an unrestricted free agent after this season ends if he declines his 2019-20 player-option with the club. There has been talk that Leonard has his eyes on Los Angeles, but the Raptors currently have the best record in the NBA and look like a championship contender. Some believe Leonard would be making a mistake bolting Toronto.
You would think that Kawhi Leonard probably appreciates the Raptors looking out for health, especially considering what happened last season with the Spurs.
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