Collin Murray-Boyles Injury Update Emerges Before Chicago Bulls Game

The Toronto Raptors have captured back-to-back victories against red-hot teams, the Phoenix Suns and top-seeded Detroit Pistons. With just 15 games remaining in the regular season, the Raptors will need to continue to string wins together if they want to avoid the Play-In Tournament. 

Currently sitting at the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, there is an all-out battle for seeds five through nine. All five teams are separated by just a game and a half, and the difference means playing against the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, or having to win two elimination games in a row, just to play the Pistons in the first round. 

These past two games should prove to be a significant momentum boost for the rest of Toronto’s regular season. Durability has proven to be an issue throughout most of the season, but the roster is finally starting to find its continuity at the right time before the postseason. Collin Murray-Boyles is the lone Raptor who has continued to be out as he continues to deal with a left thumb sprain. 

Good news arrived Tuesday for the standout rookie ahead of the Raptors’ five-game road trip. 

Rising star Murray-Boyles was active at practice on Tuesday and was one of the last players getting shots up after. Head coach Darko Rajakovic is optimistic about the young defensive menace moving forward, saying that he expected him to be ready to play at some point over the road trip. 

Murray-Boyles has had a significant impact on this young Raptors team throughout this season. Specifically, the 6-foot-7 forward was filling in as the starting center while Jakob Poeltl was out for 24 games with a lower back strain. He suffered the thumb contusion back in mid-December, reaggravated it in late January, and then the injury worsened to a sprain at the end of February. 

His impact cannot be understated on the defensive side of the basketball. He is proving to be one of the best defenders in his draft class, and having the ability to have him or Scottie Barnes on the court at all times makes for a nightmare for opposing primary scorers. Murray-Boyles’ defensive versatility allows for high switchability on the perimeter, as well as low-post physicality at all times from either him or Barnes. 

Including RJ Barrett and Jamal Shead into the equation, two of the Raptors’ best defenders at the guard position, this Raptors defense has the potential of being one of the very best, which is essential for successful teams in the postseason. Based on the standings watch, this five-game road trip, starting against the Bulls in Chicago, is extremely important for their playoff outlook, and Murray-Boyles’ return to the lineup is desperately needed for the final push.