Toronto Raptors’ Regulars Remain Sidelined
The Toronto Raptors take to the court to play the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday night, but it might look more like the Raptors 905 G League affiliate. Starters, Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Fred VanVleet have all been ruled out for various reasons, as per Brett Siegel.
Lowry has played one game since March 29 and is being rested. Siakam and Anunoby will miss their second consecutive games with shoulder and calf injuries, respectively. Sunday will mark VanVleet’s eighth absence over the last nine games as he resolves a hip injury.
The Raps started Khem Birch, Malachi Flynn, Chris Boucher, Paul Watson, and VanVleet against the Orlando Magic last time out. Everyone except VanVleet should be back in the starting rotation. Gary Trent Jr. didn’t play against the Magic due to an ankle injury but is second on the Raptors depth chart at shooting guard. If Trent is limited, we should expect increased usage from Rodney Hood.
Watson led the offensive charge for the Raptors versus the Magic, putting up 30 points and 41.3 FanDuel Fantasy Points. His path to another big game is relatively unobstructed, as the Thunder have the 25th-opponent rank against small forwards. Watson has an affordable $4,500 salary on the main slate.
FanDuel Sportsbook has the Raptors listed as 6 point favorites against the visiting Thunder.