The Toronto Raptors will be without Immanuel Quickley tonight, as the guard has officially been ruled out due to a back injury. That decision came down closer to tip-off than most, with Quickley’s status lingering as a potential game-time call. But now it’s confirmed - he’ll sit this one out.
Quickley’s absence adds to a growing list of Raptors sidelined by injuries. RJ Barrett remains out with the ankle sprain he suffered late in the fourth quarter of Toronto’s loss to the Celtics on January 9. That injury came at a tough time, as Barrett had been finding a rhythm offensively and giving the Raptors a steady scoring presence on the wing.
Jakob Poeltl is also still unavailable as he continues to recover from a back injury sustained back on December 21. It’s been nearly a month without the big man, and Toronto has certainly felt his absence in the paint - especially on the defensive end and on the glass.
Rookie forward Jamison Battle won’t suit up either. He exited last night’s game against the Pacers in the third quarter with an ankle injury and won’t be available on the second night of the back-to-back. And Ja’Kobe Walter remains out with the hip injury he picked up during the Raptors’ overtime win over the Sixers earlier this week.
There is at least one silver lining for Toronto: Sandro Mamukelashvili, who was listed as questionable earlier in the day due to illness, will be available tonight. With so many rotation players out, his presence - and versatility - could be key off the bench.
On the other side, the Clippers have their own injury concerns heading into this matchup. The biggest name missing is Kawhi Leonard, who won’t play due to an ankle injury. Leonard’s return to Toronto always carries extra weight, but fans will have to wait for another time.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring), Derrick Jones Jr. (knee), Bradley Beal (hip), and Chris Paul (not with the team) are also out. That’s a significant chunk of the Clippers’ depth and playmaking unavailable for this one.
Meanwhile, John Collins (groin) and Ivica Zubac (ankle) are both listed as questionable and could be game-time decisions. If either is able to go, it would give L.A. a much-needed boost in the frontcourt.
All told, both teams are walking into tonight’s matchup with depleted rosters, and it may come down to which bench unit can step up and weather the storm. With key starters out on both sides, expect some unexpected names to play major roles in how this one unfolds.