Subscribe
Follow Us
The Toronto Raptors have been dealt a variety of tough blows in the injury department. They will be without Marc Gasol (strained left hamstring), Norman Powell (left shoulder, subluxation), and Pascal Siakam (strained groin) indefinitely, according to Tim Bontemps of ESPN.
The Raptors announce that, in addition to Marc Gasol being out indefinitely, as @wojespn reported, both Pascal Siakam (strained groin) and Norm Powell (left shoulder subluxation) are out indefinitely, too. Just brutal news for the Raptors, who have been injury-riddled all year.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) December 20, 2019
The Raptors were off to a strong start to the season despite Kawhi Leonard's departure to the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency. Toronto currently has a 19-8 record and that has placed them fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Article Continues Below
After winning the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year Award in 2018-19, Siakam raised his game a few levels higher to start this season. Through 27 games, he has truly solidified himself as a franchise player with averages of 25.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
It will be interesting to see what the Raptors ultimately decide to do with their roster for the remainder of the season. Some experts couldn't quite get a read on whether Toronto would decide to be buyers or sellers at the deadline. However, with Siakam sidelined indefinitely, it's difficult to envision that not having some sort of impact on their plans.
It's worth noting that Gasol, Serge Ibaka, Fred VanVleet, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson all have expiring contracts. In addition, Siakam and Powell are the only rotation players under contract at least until the 2021-22 season. There is significant potential for roster changes if they wished to go that route, but whether they do or not remains to be seen.
