The Toronto Raptors have another injured player.
Jakob Poeltl was forced to exit the game against the Charlotte Hornets with a dislocated left pinky finger and did not return.
It is unclear when Poeltl suffered the injury.
He checked out of the game with 42 seconds left in the second quarter. He went straight into the locker room where he was diagnosed with the dislocation.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic confirmed postgame that there is no fracture for Poeltl which is encouraging.
According to doctor Ali Rendely, Poeltl could still return as early as next game:
Assuming there is no associated fracture, Poeltl could return as early as next game with a dislocated joint (PIP or DIP) in his non-shooting hand pinky finger. May tape it to immobilize.
Steph Curry (2019) & Joel Embiid (2020) both returned to the same games after this injury. https://t.co/o7tlS0xnfF
— Ali Rendely, MD (@alirendely) March 4, 2024
Toronto began the second half with Kelly Olynyk and now will turn to Jontay Porter as the team’s backup big man.
Poeltl missed 11 games earlier this year due to a left ankle sprain he suffered in January.
For the time being the Raptors have another injury to deal with. They are already without Scottie Barnes who suffered a fracture in his left hand on March 1 and is out indefinitely.
Barnes is currently seeing a specialist to decide what the next steps will be for his recovery and if surgery is required.
Regardless, it is looking like Barnes may be shut down for the rest of the season.
Next up for Raptors
The Raptors will wrap up their four-game homestand when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on March 5.
Toronto is currently 3.5 games back of the Atlanta Hawks for the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.
If Poeltl is not ready for this game, expect Olynyk to get the start.
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