The injury bug has hit the Toronto Raptors.
Jakob Poeltl’s dislocated left pinky finger is going to cost him at least one game as the team continues to evaluate the next steps before he returns. He was undergoing further evaluation, and the team had no official update during practice. He has, however since been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Poeltl is joined by Scottie Barnes who remains without a timetable for his return. He was seeing a specialist to look at the fracture in his left hand and surgery had not been ruled out as of Sunday night. He too has been ruled out for Tuesday.
Bruce Brown Jr. will also remain out as he battles a right knee injury. It’s unclear when or how the injury occurred but he’ll now miss his second straight game with the ailment.
Toronto had turned to Ochai Agbaji to fill in the void left by Scottie Barnes in the starting lineup. He’ll likely get the start again, though his lack of size could prove problematic against the Pelicans.
Expect Kelly Olynyk to start in Poeltl’s place with Jontay Porter filling in as the team’s backup center while Poeltl is out.
Toronto will have Mouhamadou Gueye and DJ Carton both up with the club on two-way contracts to fill in off the bench. Carton played Friday night and appears to be a member of Toronto’s rotation.
Jahmi’us Ramsey is also expected to be available as he’s reportedly signed a 10-day contract to join Toronto, per Shams Charania.
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