The Toronto Raptors are facing a winnable game on Monday night against the Washington Wizards. However, they may be more shorthanded than expected with a new update to the injury report that involves forward O.G. Anunoby.
Anunoby, who has only missed one game this season thus far due to muscle spasms, is putting together another quality season in the early phases. Through his first eight games, he is averaging 16.4 points per game on shooting splits of 51.0% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc.
But now, a finger laceration may hold him out of another game, according to Raptors reporter Aaron Rose:
OG Anunoby is now questionable for tonight’s game
— 𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 (@AaronBenRose) November 13, 2023
Losing Anunoby for this game would be disappointing, as the Raptors are in a position to get back to .500 with a victory against a 2-7 opponent in Washington. It also comes as a bit of a surprise, as he was not listed on the initial injury report for this game and did play in their most recent game against the Boston Celtics without issue.
It’s likely that the injury was suffered as recently as Sunday, but more information is likely to come out if Anunoby is ultimately ruled out for Monday night. The starting lineup figures to shift slightly if Anunoby cannot go, likely opening up a spot for free agent signing Otto Porter Jr.
This is the first of four meetings with the Wizards this season, and a victory would put the Raptors at 5-5 through the first 10 games of the season.
Gary Trent Jr. also questionable
The Raptors could be down two starters as guard Gary Trent Jr. is also questionable for Monday night because of plantar fasciitis. He missed Saturday’s game against the Celtics and it is unclear if he’ll be able to go against the Wizards.
If he can’t, it puts another layer of pressure on Scottie Barnes, who is already the team’s leader in points and rebounds. He has emerged as the team’s constant bright spot despite being one of the youngest players on the roster.
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