The Toronto Raptors suffered a huge blow on Monday after starting point guard Kyle Lowry was forced to leave their game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to back spasms.

According to an official statement by the Raptors PR, Lowry had to sit out the rest of the game because of the injury. The veteran guard played only for eight minutes and scored four points before exiting the contest.

The Raptors trail the Grizzlies by the score of 70-63 at halftime.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Ranking 5 best Darius Garland trade destinations if Cavs blow it up
Ranking 5 best Darius Garland trade destinations if Cavs blow it up
Collin Murray-Boyles, Noa Essengue, Khaman Maluach in the middle, Head coach Darko Rajakovic, and GM Bobby Webster around them, Toronto Raptors wallpaper in the background
Toronto Raptors’ 3 best options for No. 9 pick in 2025 NBA Draft

In all likelihood, fellow Raptors guard Fred VanVleet will do the majority of the ball handling for Toronto in the second half. Through the first two quarters of Monday evening's clash in Memphis, VanFleet, Aron Baynes, Pascal Siakam, Norman Powell, Chris Boucher and DeAndre' Bembry are leading the Raptors in minutes played.

It is also worth noting that role players such as Stanley Johnson, Yuta Wantanabe, Terence Davis and Paul Watson have already seen some minimal action against the Grizzlies. With that said, head coach Nick Nurse will need to get creative in the absence of Lowry.

While the quartet of Siakam, Powell, Boucher and VanFleet are more than capable of leading the charge against an always dangerous Grizzlies squad, Lowry is no doubt the heart and soul of the Raptors. Toronto typically leans on Kyle Lowry, though Siakam and VanFleet have shown time and time again just how valuable they are as well.

Entering Monday evening's matchup against the Grizzlies, the Raptors were sporting a disappointing 10-13 record in 2020-21.