Raptors star forward Pascal Siakam has been ruled out indefinitely due to a right adductor strain, the team announced today (Twitter link via Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca). Siakam will be reevaluated in two weeks, according to the Raptors.
It’s a tough blow for the Raptors and for Siakam, who had been playing some of the best basketball of his career before getting injured in Friday’s loss in Dallas. In his first nine games (35.7 MPG) this season, the 28-year-old was averaging 24.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists — all of those marks would be career highs.
Although having Siakam on the shelf will hurt, the Raptors’ depth at forward means they’re well equipped to replace him in the lineup. Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, Chris Boucher, and Otto Porter Jr. are all candidates to see expanded roles.
Additionally, it’s possible that a veteran reserve like Thaddeus Young or Juancho Hernangomez could get a shot at frontcourt rotation minutes in Siakam’s absence.
Toronto has also been missing Fred VanVleet for the last three games due to lower back soreness, though head coach Nick Nurse suggested on Friday that the All-Star point guard is close to returning. VanVleet is listed as questionable to play in Sunday’s game vs. Chicago.
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