Jakob Poeltl is back in action for the Raptors, shaking off the back issues that sidelined him for 33 games this season. The starting center seems to be firing on all cylinders now, and that's a welcome relief for Toronto fans.
Over his last nine games, Poeltl has been putting up some impressive numbers: 13.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game, all while shooting a scorching 70.8% from the field. Just last Sunday, he logged a season-high 36 minutes against Detroit, racking up 21 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists, going toe-to-toe with All-Star Jalen Duren.
Poeltl himself feels good about his recovery, saying, “Every game’s a little bit different... I felt good on Sunday.
Felt fine afterwards.” It’s clear that despite the aches and pains that come with a big game, he’s not too concerned.
The uncertainty of his back injury was a challenge, though. “The hardest part was that there wasn’t a steady timeline,” Poeltl explained.
Unlike typical injuries with predictable recovery paths, this one was a bit of a mystery. The team had to set hopeful timelines, but ultimately, it was a waiting game.
With Poeltl back and healthy, the Raptors are gaining momentum on both ends of the court. However, he’ll be tested soon with a matchup against Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic on the horizon.
In other Atlantic Division news, lottery pick Collin Murray-Boyles is nearing a return from a left thumb sprain. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic mentioned that the rookie is “very close” to playing again after missing ten games.
Meanwhile, Jose Alvarado continues to be a vital energy source for the Knicks, whether he’s on the court or not. Star point guard Jalen Brunson appreciates Alvarado’s impact, noting, “He does so much for this team on and off the court. It’s constant energy.”
Over in Brooklyn, Nets forward Noah Clowney is dealing with a right wrist sprain and will miss the next couple of games. Head coach Jordi Fernandez shared that Clowney will be reevaluated after Sunday’s matchup. As for Michael Porter Jr., who’s out with a right hamstring strain, Fernandez indicated that his return this season is uncertain, with a reevaluation set for two to three weeks from now.
These updates set the stage for an intriguing stretch of games in the Atlantic Division, with key players returning and others still on the mend. Keep an eye on how these developments play out as teams jockey for position in the standings.