Toronto Raptors Injury Report Against Los Angeles Clippers

The Toronto Raptors head to Los Angeles Wednesday night to face the Clippers in the Intuit Dome. Coming off a dominant win against the Utah Jazz, the Raptors look to finish the five-game road trip 3-2 and maintain their fifth seed in the Eastern Conference standings.

While being without standout rookie Collin Murray-Boyles for 11 straight games due to a left thumb sprain, the rest of the roster had been mostly healthy. He returned in Salt Lake City on Monday night, but Toronto lost three starters in the process. Brandon Ingram was a late scratch due to a heel injury, Immanuel Quickley was out due to plantar fasciitis, and Jakob Poeltl sat due to rest, being that it was the second night of a back-to-back. 

Heading into California, the official NBA injury report shows the Raptors may be short-handed for the second straight game.

Both Ingram and Poeltl, who missed the game in Utah, are listed as questionable to play against the Clippers. Quickley, on the other hand, is doubtful, insinuating that the issue may be more serious for him than those of his teammates.

It’s slightly concerning to see Poeltl listed on the injury report at all. After missing 24 straight games, he has yet to miss a game due to the lower back strain unless it came on the second night of a back-to-back. Head coach Darko Rajakovic has not yet commented on the extent of his injury management, but the Raptors need him healthy if they want to avoid dropping in the standings.

With Quickley likely out, this opens up the opportunity for recently acquired Markelle Fultz to continue to prove his worth. After playing Monday morning for the Raptors 905 G-League Affiliate team, he joined the senior team to contribute two points and five assists in 16 minutes. 

His contributions were greatly appreciated by Rajakovic, who spoke with the media postgame.

“You can see he's comfortable getting the team in the offense and organizing," said Rajakovic. "It was awesome to see him out there knowing that he played a game this morning as well for the 905. Really, really proud of the minutes he gave us tonight.”

The former No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft has had his career derailed by injuries to this point, and he is seeking to make his true NBA comeback with Toronto. While the skills he once displayed at the University of Washington are now limited, confidence and opportunity may be the only things limiting him from breaking out once again.

Backup point guard Jamal Shead, who contributed 15 assists and two turnovers against the Jazz in a starting role, commented on being able to learn from Fultz. 

“He's the number one pick for a reason," said Shead. "I think he can help us, especially if [Quickley] is out. He’s a really talented guy, and we know that he was the number one pick for a reason. I think that he’ll find ways to come in and help us. He made every right play today. He wasn’t even looking for a shot, but we know he can. I think I’m just excited to see what he has to offer.”