If seeing is believing, there are fans still waiting for this game to pinch themselves and know it's real.

Kawhi Leonard is back as a member of the Toronto Raptors again, and is now set to play his first game since Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals when Canada's lone NBA franchise won its first title.

Now alongside, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and co., Leonard is now looking to lead a much younger Raptors team to another title.

It's set to be a frenzied night at Scotiabank Arena and here's everything you need to know about the Raptors' first game of the 2026-27 season, against the Chicago Bulls.

Fans are eager to welcome back Kawhi

This is building up to be an extremely special night in Toronto as the prodigal son finally returns. Seven years after winning Finals MVP and leading the Raptors to its first and only championship, Leonard has returned and the fans can't wait to see him.

Over the years, Leonard has received very warm ovations when playing in the building while wearing a Clippers jersey. This return feels like fan fiction but on Wednesday night it becomes reality. Leonard got a taste of the fans' love for him when he played a preseason game at Scotiabank Arena last week, but this will naturally be at another level with a game of consequence.

Expect to see No. 2 jerseys aplenty on Wednesday if you're roaming the streets of downtown Toronto, a number that Leonard will now hope to have up in the rafters one day just as Kyle Lowry's No. 7 will do on Jan. 10.

What changes for the Raptors with Kawhi back?

The Raptors finished 46-36 and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Cleveland Cavaliers last year. Now, with Leonard on the roster, the goalposts immediately shift towards competing for a title in what is a stacked Eastern Conference.

Leonard made the All-NBA Second Team last year and looked like one of the three best players in the world in the second half of last season. If that is the version Toronto is getting, the Raptors should be in the contender mix. Scottie Barnes has elevated himself to an All-NBA calibre player while RJ Barrett has emerged as a very capable third option.

With young and hungry options on the bench, Darko Rajakovic has to figure out how he can put it all together.

Leonard, of course, has an extensive injury history, so expect a return for load management. It was a program the Raptors implemented in the 2019 Championship season under the stewardship of Alex McKechnie, and Toronto will keep Leonard out of games when they feel his body needs the adequate rest and recuperation period.

That will be one of the biggest challenges for this roster, competing at a high enough level on the nights he sits.

Look out for another familiar face in Norman Powell!

Fans will also have plenty of love for Norman Powell, the former Raptor who made himself a favourite for people in the city during his time here and was a part of the championship winning squad.

Powell joined the Bulls this offseason and has made himself a highly dependable scorer and three-point sniper. Expectations aren't high for the Bulls this season but you can be rest assured that the uber competitive Powell will be determined to spoil the party in Toronto's home and season opener.

How to watch the Raptors season/home opener

When and what time does Raptors vs. Bulls start?

The game against the Bulls is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. EDT/4:30 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. Pregame coverage will begin at 7:00 p.m. EDT/4:00 p.m. PDT.

What channel is showing Raptors vs. Bulls?

If you've subscribed to Sportsnet through your cable package, such as through Bell or Rogers, you're covered. Just look for Sportsnet (Ontario, East, West, Pacific, or One) on your channel guide.

How to stream Raptors vs. Bulls in Canada

You can watch the game on your phone via the Sportsnet app via a paid Sportsnet+ subscription . You can also stream the game via the Sportsnet+ website.

If you've already paid for a cable subscription to Sportsnet's TV channels, you can also sign into Sportsnet+ using those login details.

Digital services like Rogers Ignite TV and Bell Fibe can be used to access Sportsnet.

Who's on the Raptors roster?

Toronto will start the season healthy but for one player, centre Nate Bittle, who is on a two-way contract. The Raptors will start the season with a 14-man roster instead of the full 15 due to financial constraints due to the salary cap. They will also have two players on two-way contracts instead of three.

Who's on the Bulls roster?

The Bulls are also one short of the full 15-man roster.