The Toronto Raptors face the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, but the team will be without starting center Jakob Poeltl. The 30-year-old player is sidelined due to lower back injury management. He has struggled with back issues since the start of the season and has missed four games this year.
Despite these challenges, Poeltl has performed well when healthy. In 12 games, he has averaged 11.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, shooting an impressive 73.7% from the field. Poeltl’s recent form highlights a positive turnaround after the Raptors re-signed him on a three-year, $84 million contract extension, effective before the 2025-26 season.
Questionable Status for Murray-Boyles
In addition to Poeltl’s absence, rookie Collin Murray-Boyles is now listed as questionable for the matchup against the Nets. Murray-Boyles is recovering from a right knee MCL sprain and has missed two consecutive games. In total, he has sat out five games this season.
At just 20 years old, Murray-Boyles has played 11 games in which he averaged 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. He boasts a solid true shooting percentage of 60.2% while playing around 20 minutes per game.
Additional Roster Updates
Jonathan Mogbo will be available for the game after being recalled from the Raptors 905, Toronto’s G League affiliate. The team will also rely on two-way players:
- Chucky Hepburn
- Alijah Martin
- A.J. Lawson
These players will add depth as the Raptors prepare for back-to-back games this week, facing the Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. The Raptors, currently one of the hottest teams in the NBA, boast an impressive 11-5 record, placing them second in the Eastern Conference. They will welcome the Nets, who are struggling with a 3-12 record, to the Scotiabank Arena.
