The Toronto Raptors are grappling with an injury setback as Jakob Poeltl is set to miss Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a left ankle sprain, marking the first time he will be absent this season. The injury occurred during Sunday night’s match against the Golden State Warriors when Poeltl stepped awkwardly on Pascal Siakam’s foot. Despite briefly staying down, he continued to play.
With the recent trade involving OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa, the Raptors now find themselves lacking depth in the frontcourt. Poeltl, the team’s sole traditional center, is sidelined, and Christian Koloko remains unavailable due to ongoing respiratory issues.
Before this incident, Anunoby’s finger injury was the only time a Toronto starter had been absent this season. Additionally, Otto Porter Jr. is listed as doubtful with a right knee sprain.
The Raptors may have to rely on Chris Boucher and two-way player Jontay Porter in the frontcourt, with Boucher possibly stepping into the starting lineup for Poeltl after his notable 17-point performance against the Warriors.
Toronto may potentially go small, reintroducing Gary Trent Jr. into the starting lineup alongside Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam in the frontcourt. However, it would leave the Raptors significantly outmatched versus LeBron James and Anthony Davis. On Wednesday, the Raptors will also face the Los Angeles Clippers. As a result, Poeltl may miss a couple of games here. The seriousness of the injuries is unknown.