Raptors’ Jamison Battle expected to debut Thursday vs Knicks after back issue

Toronto Raptors forward Jamison Battle is expected to make his preseason debut Thursday night against the New York Knicks after missing earlier exhibitions with a back issue, according to coach Darko Rajakovic and multiple beat reports Wednesday.

Jamison Battle (back) went through a full practice today and should be available for tomorrow's game in New York, per Rajakovic.

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 14, 2026

Josh Lewenberg of TSN reported that Battle went through a full practice Wednesday and should be available for tomorrow’s game in New York, per Rajakovic. Michael Grange of Sportsnet wrote that Battle “will take the floor for the first time during pre-season” against the Knicks after battling the back problem to this point. Zulfi Sheikh quoted Rajakovic saying the staff held Battle out of Tuesday’s game so he could get contact work in play group first, then confirmed he practiced Wednesday and will be available Thursday.

Sounds likes Jamison Battle will take the floor for the first time during pre-season against the Knicks on Thursday night. Has been battling a back problem to this point.

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) October 14, 2026

Back issue delayed his first look

Battle had been listed with a back problem through early October and was a healthy scratch at points while rehabbing. He still had not suited up in preseason before Wednesday’s update. Thursday’s rematch with the Knicks is Toronto’s last chance to get him minutes before the regular season.

RotoWire and CBS Sports, citing Grange, noted it is unclear whether Battle will face a minutes restriction in his first appearance. The Raptors have not announced a formal clearance beyond Rajakovic’s availability comments.

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