The Toronto Raptors may soon welcome back veteran big man Kelly Olynyk, who has been listed as questionable for Saturday night’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. If cleared to play, it would mark Olynyk’s season debut after being sidelined by a preseason back injury. The 33-year-old has been steadily ramping up his activity over the past few weeks, and his return to the Raptors’ lineup appears imminent.
Olynyk’s presence is expected to significantly bolster Toronto’s frontcourt rotation. After missing the start of the season, Olynyk is poised to slot in behind starting center Jakob Poeltl, bringing much-needed depth and versatility to the Raptors’ second unit. The Raptors have struggled with scoring consistency at times this season, and Olynyk’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and serve as a secondary playmaker should give the team a boost, especially offensively.
Last season, Olynyk made an immediate impact for Toronto after being acquired in a February trade with the Utah Jazz. Appearing in 28 games, he averaged 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, while shooting 33.8% from beyond the arc. His performance earned him a two-year, $26.3 million contract extension, solidifying his role with the team heading into this season.
Olynyk’s return could also have ripple effects on the Raptors’ depth chart. Third-string center Bruno Fernando, who has been filling in during Poeltl’s absence, is expected to revert to a reserve role. There’s even speculation that Fernando could be waived, given his non-guaranteed contract. Meanwhile, rookie second-rounder Jonathan Mogbo will likely continue to see minutes as a versatile wing and small-ball center, offering the Raptors additional flexibility with their lineup.
Speaking of Poeltl, the Raptors center remains questionable after missing Thursday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to illness—his first absence of the season. Toronto opted to start Fernando in his place against the Thunder, before swapping in Mogbo to start the second half. With Olynyk potentially making his return, the Raptors’ frontcourt could quickly regain some much-needed stability.
In addition to Olynyk’s potential return, the Raptors have also ruled out guards Bruce Brown and Immanuel Quickley for Saturday’s game, further shaking up their rotation.
As Toronto continues to navigate their early-season challenges, Olynyk’s return could provide the spark the Raptors need to round out their roster, solidify their depth, and continue climbing in the Eastern Conference standings. Fans will be eagerly awaiting to see how the big man fits into head coach Darko Rajaković’s system and how his skills will complement Toronto’s growing roster.
