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The Toronto Raptors are currently second in the Eastern Conference standings with a 14-4 record. They have also won six straight games and eight of their last ten. They've been playing really well despite not having two of their most experienced players in Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry for a significant period of time as both have been dealing with injuries.
But according to reports, Ibaka will be playing tonight as the Raptors take on the Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, Lowry will continue to be sidelined, although it has been said that he's making significant progress with his recovery.
Ibaka returns vs Utah tonight. Lowry is getting close but still out.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 1, 2019
Ibaka's return will give the Raptors a stable presence on both ends of the floor. This season, he's averaging 14.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. He will be a welcome addition to a team that currently has one of the best defenses in the NBA.
As for Lowry, Toronto continues to be patient with him as he recovers from his thumb injury.
Both players haven't played since November 8 when they got hurt against the New Orleans Pelicans. Ibaka was dealing with an ankle sprain prior to being cleared to return.
In their absence, young studs Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet have stepped up big time to help the Raptors keep their strong play going. Siakam is averaging 25.1. points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, while FVV is putting up 18.5 points, 3.9 boards, and 7.3 dimes per game.
The Raptors are on a quest to defend the championship that they have won last season, when they beat the three-peat seeking Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Despite losing their best player Kawhi Leonard in free agency, Toronto is still playing like a contender this season.
