Raptors to Face Former Stars Leonard, Powell as Clippers Visit

Toronto Raptors fans will get a nostalgic glimpse of their 2019 championship run when Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell return with the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon.

Both players played key roles in Toronto’s only NBA title, and now they look to lead the Clippers to victory as both teams push for the playoffs.

Clippers Rolling, Powell & Leonard Leading the Way

The Clippers (34-15) are on a two-game winning streak and have won eight of their last 11. They defeated Charlotte 112-104 on Friday, with Powell scoring 27 points and Leonard adding 21.

Powell, who leads the Clippers in scoring at 24.1 points per game, was snubbed from the All-Star Game but remains focused on team success.

“I definitely feel like I should’ve made it,” Powell said. “But I can’t control that. I just have to focus on helping us get into the playoffs and win a championship.”

Leonard, playing his 10th game since returning from knee surgery, praised Powell’s growth.

“He’s been great. He’s been playing this way the last two or three years for us. Now he’s getting more minutes and shot attempts,” Leonard said.

The Clippers won the first matchup against the Raptors this season, 105-103 on Nov. 9.

Raptors Look to Bounce Back After Loss to Bulls

The Raptors (19-30) were on a five-game winning streak before a 122-106 loss to Chicago on Friday.

Toronto welcomed back Immanuel Quickley from a groin injury. He scored 14 points in 15 minutes, shooting 5-for-8 from the field and 3-of-5 from deep.

Coach Darko Rajakovic is being cautious with Quickley’s minutes.

“We have to be intentional about rebuilding him back—his conditioning, his rhythm,” Rajakovic said.

Despite trailing just 55-50 at halftime, Toronto lost momentum in the third quarter against Chicago.

“I thought we did a really good job in the first half,” Rajakovic noted.

Key Matchups: Can Raptors Slow Down Clippers?

Toronto will need a big effort defensively against the star-studded Clippers, who are among the top teams in the Western Conference.

✅ Kawhi Leonard vs. Pascal Siakam – A battle of former Raptors in a matchup of elite two-way forwards.
✅ Norman Powell vs. Scottie Barnes – Powell is playing at an All-Star level, while Barnes looks to keep Toronto competitive.
✅ Toronto’s defense vs. L.A.’s offense – The Clippers are efficient offensively, but Toronto must dictate pace to stay in the game.

Will the Raptors spoil their former stars’ return, or will Leonard & Powell shine again in Toronto?