Jakob Poeltl may play against the Dallas Mavericks.
He is officially listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain, the Raptors announced Tuesday afternoon.
Poeltl left the game against the Pacers on Feb. 26 in the third quarter with the ankle sprain and did not return:
The Raptors are hoping Poeltl does not miss an extended period of time again.
Poeltl missed 11 games earlier this year with a sprain to his same left ankle.
Toronto could elect to play it safe here. If they do, Kelly Olynyk should get the start against the Mavericks.
Poeltl has played very well since his return from injury and has helped the Raptors hit another gear. Toronto struggled mightily without Poeltl going 2-9 over the 11 games he missed.
The Raptors have Olynyk this time around so that should help the blow if Poeltl does miss some time. Toronto could also call up Jontay Porter from the G League if needed.
The Raptors did not practice on Tuesday and an official update on Poeltl’s status likely will not come until pregame later tonight.
Raptors have sights set on the play-in
Toronto is currently 3.5 games back of the Atlanta Hawks for the final play-in spot in the East.
Trae Young had surgery to repair a ligament tear in the fifth finger of his left hand. Therefore, he will be out for at least a month.
This injury has opened the door for the Raptors play-in chances. Toronto is 3-0 out of the All-Star break and they look to make it 4 wins in a row against the new-look Mavericks.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said that the team is focused on winning and getting into the Play-In Tournament so expect Toronto’s best effort down the stretch.
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