Toronto Raptors lead guard Immanuel Quickley will make his long awaited return against the Brooklyn Nets.
After missing the last 22 games, Quickley will return to action, via TSN’s Josh Lewenberg. Quickley has been dealing with a nagging elbow injury but will suit up for the Raptors to open up 2025. With the Raptors seemingly hitting rock bottom with their latest franchise-record 54-point loss against the Boston Celtics, Quickley’s return could not have come at a more perfect time.
As expected Quickley will be on a minutes restriction as he slowly gets back to full health. With Quickley back in the starting lineup, the Raptors will have the presence of a true point guard and Scottie Barnes can go back to his more natural fit as a forward.
While the Raptors are one step closer to having their full starting lineup back, they will have to wait a little longer for it to happen. Gradey Dick (hamstring) will play, but RJ Barrett (illness) is still away from the team, per Lewenberg. Ja’Kobe Walter (finger) is available as well. Bruce Brown is out for injury management on the second night of a back-to-back With Barrett out, Ochai Aagbaji should remain a starter.
This is the closest the Raptors have been to their full starting lineup all season which is encouraging for a team that has lost 11 games in a row.
With Quickley back he gives the Raptors a more traditional floor general to run their offense and he gives the team some much needed three-point shooting. The Raptors will now have more balance in their starting lineup especially when Barrett returns.
In 3 games this season, Quickley has averaged 15.3 points, 4.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds on 38.1 percent shooting from the field and 37.5 percent shooting from deep.
NBA insider shares update on Jakob Poeltl trade talks
Jakob Poeltl doesn’t appear to be going anywhere.
There has been a lot of speculation on if the Raptors will try and trade Poeltl before the trade deadline, but according to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Toronto has not made him available for trade.
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