The Toronto Raptors are going to be shorthanded in their matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Toronto will be without Jakob Poeltl who has been ruled out with a left ankle sprain.
Poeltl suffered the injury against the Golden State Warriors when he stepped awkwardly on the foot of Pascal Siakam. Despite coming down hard he remained in the game:
Jakob Poeltl is out tomorrow vs. Lakers with a sprained ankle, per Raptors.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) January 8, 2024
The Raptors already had a thin frontcourt after losing Precious Achiuwa in the O.G. Anunoby deal.
Poeltl was the only traditional center remaining with Christian Koloko out with respiratory issues.
The Raptors are going to have their hands full inside trying to contain Anthony Davis.
Poeltl had been healthy all season playing in every single one of Toronto’s 36 games this year.
The Raptors have been able to avoid the injury bug up until this point. Anunoby’s finger laceration was the only time the Raptors were without a starter this season.
With Poeltl out, the Raptors will likely use Chris Boucher as a starter. Unless they go with a small ball lineup and start Gary Trent Jr. instead. Toronto will be down to Boucher and two-way big man Jontay Porter in the frontcourt.
Boucher is coming off his best performance of the season finishing with 17 points on a perfect 7-7 shooting night against the Warriors.
Toronto has also listed Otto Porter Jr. as doubtful to play with a right knee sprain.
Raptors shorhanded
The Raptors will take on the Lakers on Tuesday night and then they will play the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
Therefore, Poeltl could miss the two-game stretch which would be a big blow for the Raptors. The severity of his injury is unknown at this time.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
