The Toronto Raptors have gotten off to a relatively strong start in the 2022-23 NBA season, opening up with a 6-4 record. They are a few breaks away from near the top of the Eastern Conference as three of their four losses are by four points or less.
Their most recent loss on Friday evening against the Dallas Mavericks cost them more than just a mark on their record. Toronto is going to be without arguably their best player, Pascal Siakam, for at least two weeks as he was injured in the game.
Siakam was diagnosed with a right abductor strain and he will be re-evaluated in three weeks. If all goes well at that check-up, he should return to the court shortly after. But, since he will need some time to ramp his activity back up, Siakam could very easily be sidelined for closer to three weeks than two.
Not having him in the lineup for at least eight games is certainly a tough blow for the Raptors. Siakam is having another excellent season, putting up career-high numbers across the board. His averages of 24.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists would all be career bests for the New Mexico State product.
LATEST NBA INJURY NEWS: Pascal Siakam & Toronto Raptors Updates
Siakam has been deployed as the team’s starting center this season and is taking full advantage, stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis. That is a lot of production that will need to be replaced, but Toronto does have some solid veterans that can soak up minutes behind him.
Thaddeus Young, who was out of the rotation to begin the season after re-signing in Toronto, has been inserted into the lineup to help replace Siakam’s production. Rookie Christian Koloko has stepped into the starting lineup and provided an intimidating defensive presence in the paint.
LATEST NBA INJURY NEWS: Pascal Siakam & Toronto Raptors Updates
Chris Boucher, Otto Porter Jr. and Precious Achiuwa will all chip in as well off the bench as the Raptors’ frontcourt has some excellent depth. While no team wants to lose players to injuries, they are bound to happen. A frontcourt injury is one that Toronto can overcome much easier than one on the wing or backcourt, where their depth isn’t nearly as deep.
