
Image credits: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Toronto Raptors are preparing to face the defending champion Boston Celtics, and their lineup may be impacted by injuries. Centre Jakob Poeltl is listed as questionable due to a hip pointer injury that has kept him out of seven consecutive games. His last appearance was on February 4, when he played only 14 minutes before leaving the game. Poeltl has been a key player for the Raptors this season, averaging career-highs in scoring, rebounds, and steals, with a 61.0 field goal percentage that leads the team.
Meanwhile, sophomore Gradey Dick is listed as probable with a right thigh contusion. He has averaged 14.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists through 50 games this season, with 2.7 three-point makes per game that rank fourth amongst second-year players. The Raptors will be without several players, including Brandon Ingram, Ulrich Chomche, and PJ Tucker, as well as Jamison Battle, Jared Rhoden, and two-way A.J. Lawson, who are on assignment with the 905.
The Celtics, on the other hand, will be without Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet, while Al Horford is questionable with a toe sprain, and Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman are probable. The game promises to be a challenging one for the Raptors, given the Celtics' strong performance lately, with a 9-1 stretch over their last 10 games. The Raptors will need to be at full strength to compete with the Celtics, and Poeltl's potential return could be a significant boost to their lineup.
The injury report for both teams is as follows:
- Jakob Poeltl: questionable (hip pointer injury)
- Gradey Dick: probable (right thigh contusion)
- Brandon Ingram: out (ankle)
- Ulrich Chomche: out (MCL tear)
- PJ Tucker: out (not with team)
- Jamison Battle: out (on assignment with 905)
- Jared Rhoden: out (on assignment with 905)
- A.J. Lawson: out (on assignment with 905)
- Jrue Holiday: out (rest)
- Luke Kornet: out (personal)
- Al Horford: questionable (toe sprain)
- Neemias Queta: probable (illness)
- Xavier Tillman: probable (knee inflammation)
The game between the Raptors and the Celtics will be a significant test for both teams, and the outcome will depend on various factors, including the injury report and the teams' overall performance. The Raptors will need to be at their best to compete with the Celtics, and they will be hoping that Poeltl can return to the lineup and make a significant contribution. With the NBA season heating up, every game counts, and the Raptors will be looking to make a statement against the defending champions.
raptor celtic jakob poeltl boston toronto questionable gradey dick injury
Related Tags