Jakob Poeltl’s name came up in trade talks ahead of the deadline, but his lingering back issues ultimately kept the Raptors from making any significant moves involving the veteran big man - including a potential deal for Domantas Sabonis. Poeltl has been limited to just 21 games this season, last suiting up on December 21, and his absence has clearly affected both his trade value and Toronto’s frontcourt rotation.
But there’s a bit of optimism on the horizon for the Raptors. According to the latest update, Poeltl is ramping up his activity and responding well to the increased workload.
With only two games left before the All-Star break - Sunday against Indiana and next Wednesday versus Detroit - there’s a chance we could see him return to the floor before the team hits pause for the midseason festivities. That would be a welcome sight for a Raptors squad that’s been navigating a transitional year and could use some veteran stability in the paint.
While Poeltl works his way back, rookie big man Collin Murray-Boyles continues to fight through a nagging thumb injury. After missing four games in late January due to the issue, he’s been back in the lineup, but the left thumb is still bothering him enough that he’ll need to wear a protective brace for the next five weeks.
Even so, Murray-Boyles isn’t letting it slow him down. In Thursday’s win over Chicago, he turned in an impressive performance - 17 points on 8-of-9 shooting in 37 minutes - all while dealing with limited grip strength and discomfort.
“I give him a lot of credit,” said head coach Darko Rajakovic. “He’s having trouble dribbling the ball, catching the ball, but he’s playing through that.” That’s the kind of toughness coaches love to see in a young player, especially one still adjusting to the pace and physicality of the NBA.
Around the league, injury updates continue to shape team outlooks heading into the All-Star break:
In Charlotte, newly acquired guard Coby White is being brought along cautiously. White had played in 11 of the Bulls’ last 12 games before being traded to the Hornets, but he’s reportedly dealing with a calf issue. President of basketball operations Jeff Peterson indicated the team won’t rush him back, and it’s possible White won’t make his Hornets debut until after the break.
Orlando is also monitoring a key piece of its rotation. Forward Franz Wagner, who’s been sidelined with a left ankle injury since January 18, has missed 24 of the Magic’s last 26 games.
But according to team president Jeff Weltman, Wagner is “very close” to returning. With three games left before the break, Orlando could get a much-needed boost if he’s able to rejoin the lineup soon.
In New York, there’s cautious optimism surrounding Miles McBride. The Knicks guard recently underwent surgery for a sports hernia, and while procedures like this typically require about 12 weeks of recovery, there’s hope he could be back in time for the postseason - which begins in roughly 10 weeks. That timeline will be worth watching as the Knicks aim to solidify their playoff positioning.
And in Detroit, Pistons center Jalen Duren exited Thursday’s loss to Washington after experiencing right knee soreness. Head coach J.B.
Bickerstaff acknowledged that the soreness has been lingering for “a little bit,” though there’s no word yet on whether it will keep Duren out of future games. For a young team trying to develop its core, Duren’s health remains a priority.
With the All-Star break just around the corner, teams are navigating the delicate balance between pushing for wins and managing injuries. For players like Poeltl, Wagner, and White, the next few weeks could be pivotal in determining how their teams approach the stretch run.