Three of the best players in the NBA will rest on Saturday. Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard, Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Jimmy Butler, and Boston Celtics swingman Gordon Hayward will not play Saturday due to precautionary rest.
Minnesota has decided to rest Jimmy Butler tonight in Dallas … second night of a back-to-back
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 20, 2018
The Raptors will rest Kawhi Leonard in Washington tonight (second night of a back-to-back). Delon Wright (adductor strain) remains out.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 20, 2018
Celtics announce Gordon Hayward will be out tonight to rest his left ankle.
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) October 20, 2018
Kawhi Leonard only played in nine games last season with the San Antonio Spurs due to a lingering quadriceps injury. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year is off to a strong start with his new team. Leonard has scored 24 and 31 points in the first two games of the season. The Raptors are 2-0.
After playing 36 minutes Friday night, Jimmy Butler won’t play Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks. Butler didn’t play at all during the preseason after being away from the team due to his trade request. The four-time All-Star scored 33 points versus the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday and helped the Timberwolves earn their first win of the season. Minnesota is 1-1.
And finally, Gordon Hayward is still easing his way back after suffering that gruesome fractured left ankle on opening night last year. Hayward has scored 10 points and 14 points in the first two games of the season. The Celtics are 1-1.