Toronto Raptors Face Early Season Challenges: Injuries, Tampering Allegations, and Opening Night Loss

The Toronto Raptors are navigating a tumultuous start to the 2024-2025 NBA season, marked by significant injuries, a crushing opening night loss, and resurfaced tampering allegations involving former star Kawhi Leonard.

In their season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Raptors suffered a dismal 136-106 loss. The game was highlighted by a dominant performance from the Cavaliers, with Evan Mobley scoring 25 points and adding nine rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. The Raptors, missing key players RJ Barrett, Bruce Brown, and Kelly Olynyk, struggled on both ends of the court. Scottie Barnes, a crucial player for the Raptors, had a disappointing game, shooting just 3-for-14 from the field and scoring only nine points.

Injury concerns are mounting for the Raptors. Point guard Immanuel Quickley is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a pelvic bruise sustained in the season opener. RJ Barrett, who has been out with an AC joint sprain, participated in practice and has been cleared for contact, but his return is still uncertain. Kelly Olynyk is managing a back issue, and Ja'Kobe Walter is also recovering from an AC joint injury.

Adding to the team’s woes are allegations of tampering by the Los Angeles Clippers in their pursuit of Kawhi Leonard. A lawsuit filed by former Clippers strength and conditioning coach Randy Shelton claims that the Clippers violated NBA anti-tampering rules during Leonard’s time with the Raptors. The allegations include the Clippers using Shelton’s pre-existing relationship with Leonard to gather medical information and aid in their recruitment efforts. These claims have resurfaced five years after Leonard’s decision to leave Toronto for Los Angeles.

The Raptors face a challenging schedule ahead, with back-to-back games against the 76ers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team will need to manage their injured players carefully to avoid further setbacks and aim to regain their footing in the competitive Eastern Conference).