The injury bug has bounced around the Raptors this season, but still, they sit at the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
On Sunday night, the Toronto Raptors head to Oklahoma City to end their five-game road trip and face the reigning champions and top-seed in the NBA, the Thunder. Coming off three-straight road wins, the Raptors are looking to end the trip by taking advantage of a team that is just 13-8 over its last 21 games after starting 24-1.
Oklahoma City will be without Jalen Williams, who was diagnosed with a hamstring strain just under a week ago. Joining the All-Star on the sidelines will be Alex Caruso (adductor), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), and Ajay Mitchell (abdomen), with Aaron Wiggins (hip) questionable.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) | © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Toronto will again be missing starting center Jakob Poeltl, who continues to recover from a lower back strain. Questionable for the matchup are Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb), Immanuel Quickley (ankle), and Ja’Kobe Walter (hip).
After missing the last 17 games, the Raptors provided an update on Poeltl’s back.
It was announced that Poeltl returned to Toronto and is receiving treatment for pain relief. There is no official timetable for his return.
There isn’t anyone who is thrilled about this news, but the Raptors organization must be more frustrated than others. After re-signing the former No. 9 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft to a three-year extension worth just over $84 million last summer, he has seen the court just 21 times this season. Not to mention, he is averaging his worst numbers since 2021 in terms of points, rebounds, assists, and blocks in those 21 appearances.
The frustration from the organization won’t entirely come from his poor play or lack of availability. The former Utah Ute has been regularly mentioned in trade conversations leading up to the Feb. 5th deadline because of his steep contract. Poeltl had been solid for the Raptors over the past few years, but it was surprising to see him receive as much money as he did, considering his history of availability issues.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) | © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
He has played only 128 games since the start of the 2023-24 season. It seems that general manager Bobby Webster and the organization are regretting their decision to give such a generous contract. Whether they are able to acquire a superstar like they are reportedly interested in doing, it is also reported that the more important thing to address is the future financial flexibility of the franchise. In order to do that, it seems likely that Poeltl will be joining either RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley to depart for another team in as few as 11 days.