Raptors Provide Update on Precious Achiuwa & Otto Porter Jr.
Precious Achiuwa appears to be nearing a return for the Toronto Raptors with two preseason games to go this year.
The 24-year-old forward took part in 5-on-5 activities and contact drills Monday during practice and is trending in the right direction for Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls. For now, he’s considered “questionable,” head coach Darko Rajaković said, but Achiuwa shouldn’t be too far away from a return.
“We’re going to talk with him today after this and see how he feels,” Rajaković said of Achiuwa who is battling a left groin strain.
As for Otto Porter Jr, Toronto is continuing to take it slow with the 30-year-old oft-injured wing. After missing nearly all of last season with a toe injury, the Raptors “want to be smart,” Rajaković said. Porter’s return to the court is, however, “approaching,” Rajaković added.
Jakob Poeltl it appears is unlikely to play Tuesday as he missed practice again with an illness. It’ll be his second straight missed preseason game with the illness.
Christian Koloko remains sidelined with a reparatory issue and has only been seen at practice in street clothes. It remains unclear when he’ll be back this season.
In the meantime, expect Chris Boucher to get the start again on Tuesday night, especially if Achiuwa remains out. It appears Toronto is planning to use Dennis Schröder in the starting lineup with Gary Trent Jr. off the bench regardless of Poeltl’s availability.
Chicago did not play DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, or Alex Caruso in their most recent preseason game against the Denver Nuggets.
