{
  "id": 11527641,
  "title": "Raptors coach Rajakovic leaves the door open a crack for Leonard to play against Heat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/raptors-coach-rajakovic-leaves-the-door-open-a-crack-for-leonard-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T21:00:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/basketball/2026/10/02/raptors-coach-rajakovic-leaves-the-door-open-a-crack-for-leonard-to-play-against-heat"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Toronto Raptors concluded their final practice at Laval University on Friday before facing the Miami Heat in preseason action on Saturday. Kawhi Leonard, a key player for Toronto who won the NBA championship in 2019, is a candidate to play against the Heat. However, Raptors head coach Donte Rajakovic emphasized that Leonard's participation will depend on his day-to-day condition, as he has been taking things cautiously in camp due to his history of injuries. Leonard hasn’t participated in full-contact drills yet. Rajakovic expressed confidence in the team, stating that they have high expectations from the beginning of the season. With the addition of Miami Heat's Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James to their rosters, the Eastern Conference has seen significant improvement. Rajakovic expects most of his regular players, including point guard Immanuel Quickley, to be on the court against the Heat. Quickley, who admires Leonard's all-around game, highlighted the importance of playing against top-tier talent. The Raptors' first-ever NBA game in Quebec City is anticipated to be a significant event, with Rajakovic expressing gratitude for the team's influence in Canadian communities.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Global News",
        "title": "Rajakovic: ‘Day-to-day thing’ with Leonard",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/rajakovic-day-to-day-thing-with-leonard",
        "published": "2026-10-02T21:01:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}