The Toronto Raptors will be shorthanded in their game against the Chicago Bulls.
In the latest injury report, the Raptors have listed RJ Barrett out, Immanuel Quickley as doubtful and Jakob Poeltl as questionable for the game.
All three missed the Raptors last contest against the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 28.
Barrett has been ruled out for his second straight game with left knee swelling. Quickley is listed as doubtful with a right quad contusion. He has missed the last two games because of it.
Meanwhile, Poeltl is still listed as questionable. He has been out since Jan. 9 with an ankle sprain. He has been ramping up his practices, so hopefully he will return soon. Poeltl has missed 10 game in a row and the Raptors are 1-9 during that span:
Jakob Poeltl is participating in today’s play group with Otto Porter, Jalen McDaniels, Chris Boucher, Garrett Temple and some staff after practice in Chicago. Doesn’t mean his status has changed, but we shall see soon.
— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) January 29, 2024
The Raptors have missed Poeltl presence as of late. Without Poeltl, Toronto’s defense has taken a hit. Toronto’s defensive rating is 122.9 during his absence, which ranks 27th in the NBA.
Teams have also been dominating the Raptors in points in the paint since they are without their true rim protector.
The Raptors will be in tough in this game against Chicago if Poeltl can’t go. The last time the Bulls played the Raptors on Jan. 19, Nikola Vucevic finished with 24 points, 14 rebounds (5 offensive), and 7 assists in a 116-100 win for Chicago.
Opportunity for the others to shine
If the Raptors miss their three starters once again expect more minutes for guys like Jordan Nwora, Gradey Dick and Jontay Porter.
Nwora had 24 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Dick had 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists and Porter finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds. All three players shined for Toronto from off the bench.
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