The Toronto Raptors will as soon as once more be with out their beginning middle, Jakob Poeltl, as they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night time. This would be the fourth straight sport Poeltl has missed since struggling a bilateral groin pressure within the second half in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets earlier this month.
Poeltl’s absence uncovered a evident weak spot for the Raptors. The staff misplaced all three video games with out him and is now struggling the results of its lack of frontcourt depth after going 4-28 when the Austrian large man was injured final season. With out its 7-foot anchor, Toronto turned to second-round choose Jonathan Mogbo, who match into the beginning lineup admirably regardless of being undersized for the middle place.
Immanuel Quickley stays sidelined as he recovers from {a partially} torn UCL. Though the 25-year-old guard has begun mild basketball actions, he has not but progressed to full contact drills, and there’s no clear timetable for his return.
Moreover, Bruce Brown continues to be working his approach again from offseason knee surgical procedure. Though the Raptors insist there have been no setbacks, the staff stays cautious and its return date stays unsure.
Rookie level guard Jamal Shead was additionally added to the damage report, listed as questionable with a proper knee damage. Shead, who appeared on the report shortly earlier than the sport in opposition to the New York Knicks on Monday, might be a game-time choice.
On the opposing facet, the Memphis Grizzlies have but to launch their damage report. Nevertheless, Thursday’s sport is predicted to function Canadian middle Zach Edey, who has reclaimed a beginning function for Memphis this season. Edey’s presence might be notably intriguing because the Raptors proceed to navigate a depleted frontcourt.
