The Toronto Raptors are heading into tomorrow night’s clash with the Boston Celtics with some lingering injury concerns - and they start in the middle. Center Jakob Poeltl has been listed as questionable due to ongoing back issues, marking what could be his second straight missed game. It's a continuation of a season-long battle with injury for Poeltl, and the extended break following the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the Knicks clearly hasn't been enough to get him back to full strength.
When Poeltl is on the floor, his impact goes beyond the box score. He’s averaging 10.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, but more importantly, the Raptors have gone 13-7 with him in the lineup.
Without him? Just 4-4.
That drop-off underscores how much Toronto leans on his presence in the paint - both as a rim protector and a facilitator in the half-court. His absence has become more than just a short-term inconvenience.
It's a growing concern for a Raptors squad trying to stay in the thick of the playoff race, and it’s no surprise that the front office is reportedly exploring trade options for additional size. If this back issue lingers much longer, reinforcements may not just be a luxury - they could be a necessity.
In the meantime, Sandro Mamukelashvili has made the most of his opportunity. Filling in as the starting big, he’s turned heads with averages of 14.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in Poeltl’s absence. He’s brought energy and versatility, showing he can stretch the floor and make plays, but the Raptors are still feeling the absence of their defensive anchor.
The injury report doesn’t stop there. RJ Barrett has officially been ruled out for the matchup against Boston as he continues to ramp up his return.
His absence has been felt most on the offensive end, where Toronto has struggled to generate consistent scoring. Still, even without Barrett, the Raptors have managed to string together back-to-back wins - a sign that this group is finding ways to compete, even when short-handed.
As for the Celtics, they’ll be coming into Toronto on the second night of a back-to-back after facing the Miami Heat. Fatigue could be a factor, but Boston’s depth has carried them through these kinds of stretches before.
The only name on their injury report is Jayson Tatum, who has yet to play this season due to the Achilles injury he suffered in last year’s playoff run. His absence continues to loom large, but Boston has found ways to stay competitive without their star forward.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET, with coverage on TSN. With both teams dealing with key injuries and playoff positioning already on the line, this one has all the makings of a gritty, high-stakes December matchup.