Jakob Poeltl’s season may be over.
The Toronto Raptors big man is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair a ligament tear in the fifth finger on his left hand, the team announced Tuesday.
There is no announced timeline for his recovery. However, with the Raptors currently out of the play-in race it seems unlikely that he will play again this season.
The Raptors are already without All-Star Scottie Barnes who underwent surgery to repair the fracture to the middle finger on his left hand and he is out indefinitely with no timetable for his return as well.
Poeltl injured his hand in the second quarter of Toronto’s win over the Charlotte Hornets on March 3.
The 28-year-old has averaged 11.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game this season. He was acquired last season at the trade deadline form the San Antonio Spurs.
Canadian Kelly Olynyk is likely going to be the Raptors starting center for the remainder of the season.
The Raptors sit 12th in the Eastern Conference and are 4.5 games back of the Atlanta Hawks for the final play-in spot.
On the flip side, the Raptors are 2 games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in the reverse standings for the 6th worst record in the NBA.
If the Raptors surpass Memphis that would give them about a 45.8 percent chance of keeping their first-round pick for this year’s draft.
The Raptors have their 2024 first-rounder tied to the Spurs (Top-6 protected) because of their deal for Poeltl.
Fight for the play-in or tank?
With 20 games left in the season and down a couple of key pieces, the Raptors could simply pack it in the rest of the way.
Or Darko Rajakovic could have his players continuing to play hard and try to gun for the final play-in spot.
However, given their latest performance against the New Orleans Pelicans that will be a tall task.
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!
