The Toronto Raptors are suddenly awfully thin Monday night against the Boston Celtics. Not only are Jakob Poeltl, Otto Porter Jr., and Christian Koloko out, but Toronto has suddenly added Gary Trent Jr. to the injury report with flu-like symptoms. He’ll join Gradey Dick who was downgraded to out with a right thumb injury, the team announced. Trent had not been on the injury report early Monday but is now expected to miss at least one game with the illness. Expect Toronto to turn to Dennis Schröder for extra playing time off the bench with potentially some Jalen McDaniels minutes or Garett Temple playing time mixed in.
For Boston, Jaylen Brown is the lone absentee as he’s been ruled out with a hyperextended right knee. Al Horford is expected to start in his place. Trent has missed four games this year in what’s been a disappointing season for the 24-year-old. He’s averaging just 11.3 points while shooting 41% from the field. Even his free-throw shooting is surprisingly low at 65.1% this year. There remains no timeline on a return for Koloko but the 23-year-old sophomore has been doing some more training these days. He was seen doing some shooting during pre-game workouts Monday, but there’s no official update on his status as he continues to battle through ongoing respiratory issues.
Poeltl is expected to be reevaluated in about a week as he works his way back from a left ankle sprain. Jontay Porter will see increased playing time in Toronto’s rotation as the team’s top backup center still available.
