The Los Angeles Clippers dropped a 114-106 preseason decision to the Toronto Raptors on October 10th, a game that saw their former star Kawhi Leonard remain on the sidelines. Leonard, traded to Toronto in September, is still working his way back to full game fitness and did not suit up against his old team in Vancouver.
This result follows the Clippers' 104-101 preseason win over the Golden State Warriors on October 4th. The team now prepares for its next exhibition, a home game against the Denver Nuggets on October 14th, as they finalize their roster for the regular season.
Kawhi Leonard is following a careful, gradual plan to build his conditioning. He only recently completed his second full practice with the Raptors since the trade. The team's approach is to avoid rushing him into preseason action, prioritizing his readiness for the long NBA regular season grind.
Leonard put up impressive numbers for the Clippers last season, averaging a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 65 games. But the Raptors are taking a patient route with the two-time Finals MVP, who led them to a championship in 2019. His integration is a slow burn.
The Clippers' preseason is more about evaluating their own roster than the opponent's lineup. Facing a Leonard-less Raptors squad provided a different look, but the focus remains on internal development. The 114-106 scoreline highlights areas for defensive improvement before the real games begin.
With Leonard now in the Eastern Conference, this game offered a glimpse of a post-Kawhi era. The Clippers acquired Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick in the September deal, players who will be central to the team's new identity. Preseason is their first chance to build chemistry.
Leonard could potentially make his Raptors re-debut in their next preseason game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday. However, the team has not confirmed his participation. Another possible target is Toronto's final preseason contest versus the Detroit Pistons on October 16th.
His official regular season return is slated for October 21st. Until then, the Raptors will continue his measured ramp-up. For the Clippers, their immediate schedule is clear. They host the reigning champion Denver Nuggets on October 14th in a major preseason test.
The matchup against the Nuggets is a final tune-up against elite competition. It's a chance for the Clippers' new pieces to gel and for the coaching staff to solidify rotations. After that, attention fully shifts to the regular season opener.
Preseason results don't count in the standings, but they establish rhythm. The Clippers have shown flashes, like the win over Golden State, but also room for growth, as seen in the loss to Toronto. How they perform against Denver will be a telling final step.
