Latest Raptors Update Puts Jakob Poeltl's Season in Jeopardy
Jakob Poeltl will be out indefinitely.
The Toronto Raptors center underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left pinky finger, the Raptors announced. The surgery was performed in New York by Dr. Michelle Carlson and Poeltl's condition will be updated as appropriate, the team said.
The Poeltl news comes just days after the team announced Scottie Barnes underwent surgery to repair a fracture in his left hand, likely ending his season. Poeltl's surgery will likely take him right up against the end of the season if he can return at all this year.
It's unclear when Poeltl sustained the injury but he checked out in the first half against Charlotte Hornets on Sunday and did not return. He saw a hand specialist to review his options and surgery was ultimately decided on.
Toronto now sits without two of its five starters for the foreseeable future and if Tuesday's 139-98 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans is any indication of what's to come, it may be a rough road ahead for the Raptors.
Kelly Olynyk will start in Poeltl's place with Jontay Porter providing center support off the bench. Neither will provide the kind of defense Poeltl is known for, but they can space the floor better than the 7-foot Austrian.
The Raptors now sit two games back of the Memphis Grizzlies for the seventh-worst record in the NBA and a 45.8% chance of landing a pick in the top six. If Toronto's first-round pick falls outside the top six, it'll be conveyed to the San Antonio Spurs.
