The Toronto Raptors are coming off a bad performance against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Toronto trailed for almost the entire game and were down by as many as 33 at one point.
The Bucks were missing Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf), while the Raptor were without Gary Trent Jr. (plantar fasciitis) and O.G. Anunoby (finger laceration).
Anunoby has now missed the last two games with a finger injury he suffered while doing household chores.
Since the injury Anunoby has just been doing left-hand only drills:
OG Anunoby doing left-hand only stuff again. Has missed last two games with a cut on his right index finger. pic.twitter.com/9b7ih9nxj0
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) November 16, 2023
Anunoby’s absence has been felt by the Raptors on both sides. The Raptors have not shot the ball well and their defense looks like a shell of itself.
Anunoby’s value on the court for Toronto is real as illustrated by this graphic that appeared on the Raptors broadcast:
The absence of OG Anunoby is tremendously noticeable.
+8.4 when OG is on the court, and -11.2 when OG is not on the court.
Toronto Raptors NEED OG back!!! pic.twitter.com/tJ4UYLXO0I
— عمر عثمان 🇦🇫 Mike Tyson’s Translator (@OmerOsman200) November 16, 2023
The Raptors offensive, defensive and net rating are all worse with Anunoby off the court. His agent may want to use this graphic when trying to negotiate his next contract.
This two-game stretch has proven just how valuable Anunoby is. He is the anchor of the Raptors defense and his ability to help space the floor and hit threes is a huge boost to this stagnant Raptors offense.
The Raptors are going to need Anunoby for their first In-Season Tournament matchup against the Boston Celtics but it’s not looking good:
OG still only using his left hand in practice today. Not looking good for tomorrow but when he comes back his left hand is going to be elite
— 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 (@AaronBenRose) November 16, 2023
Anunoby has been the second best Raptor
There’s no denying that Anunoby has been the second best Raptor this season behind Scottie Barnes. One could even argue that he is the most valuable Raptor given his recent absence.
His overall consistency, ability to hit threes and guard the other team’s best player has been greatly missed by Toronto.
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