The Toronto Raptors have been dealt another setback with the news of Jakob Poeltl’s injury. Following a promising run of three consecutive victories in late February, the team has stumbled, losing three of their last four games. This unfortunate turn of events is compounded by injuries to both Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes. According to reports on Tuesday, Poeltl underwent surgery to address a hand injury, ruling him out indefinitely.
Josh Lewenberg of TSN confirmed the news, stating, “Jakob Poeltl underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in the pinky finger of his left hand. He’s out indefinitely.”
Poeltl sustained the injury during the Raptors’ recent 111-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at home, occurring late in the first half. His absence necessitated Kelly Olynk to step in at the center position for the remainder of the game. Despite leaving the Charlotte matchup early, Poeltl managed to contribute eight points, two rebounds, and three assists in just 15 minutes of play.
With Poeltl sidelined, Olynk is expected to fill the void at starting center for the Raptors. Poeltl’s absence will likely lead to adjustments in the team’s playing style, potentially allowing for more floor spacing compared to Poeltl’s less frequent three-point attempts.
The absence of both Barnes and Poeltl presents a significant challenge for the Raptors as they strive to secure a position in the Play-in Tournament, placing added pressure on the team as they navigate through their remaining fixtures.
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