Toronto Raptors Face Challenges with Key Players Injured

The Toronto Raptors are expected to continue playing below their optimal level for the time being.

Jakob Poeltl is unlikely to participate in the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night as he remains in the process of recovering from a sprained ankle. While he has shown improvement in his basketball drills, it will still take some additional time before he can return to action for Toronto.

During Thursday’s practice session, the 28-year-old was observed engaging in workout routines on the half-court alongside Toronto’s assistant coaches, displaying promising mobility.

Poeltl remains uncertain about the specific timeline for his return.

“My ankle feels strong when I’m on the court,” he remarked on Thursday. “So, it’s really a matter of proceeding step by step and ensuring that I encounter no setbacks. As I’ve mentioned previously, we’ve been making progress every day so far, and I’m satisfied with that.”

Compounding their challenges, Immanuel Quickley is expected to sit out Friday’s game for the Raptors. The 24-year-old point guard did not participate in Thursday’s practice due to a right thigh injury sustained during Monday’s game.

Rajaković explained, “We’ve decided it’s in his best interest not to practice today, and we’ll be evaluating his condition day by day as it was becoming increasingly sore. He will travel with us on this road trip, and we’ll just have to wait and see when he can return.”

With Dennis Schröder coming off the bench, Scottie Barnes will temporarily assume the role of starting point guard for Toronto, according to Rajaković.