Reigning NBA champions Toronto Raptors can expect Fred VanVleet back on the hardwood this weekend in their Saturday matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Mike Ganter of the Toronto Sun.
VanVleet scheduled to return to the lineup Saturday in Minnesota.
— Mike Ganter (@Mike_Ganter) January 17, 2020
The 25-year-old Wichita State product, in his fourth year after going undrafted in 2016, is having a career year with the Raptors following Kawhi Leonard's departure as a free agent in the offseason. An incoming free agent himself, VanVleet has stepped up for Toronto in 2019-20 alongside last year's Most Improved Player in power forward Pascal Siakam.
In 31 games, VanVleet has averaged 18.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game, shooting 37.2 percent from 3-point range in his renaissance season with the Canadian franchise.
The NBA champion has been sidelined with a hamstring injury for the past four games, last appearing for the Raptors on Jan 4. against the Brooklyn Nets. He poured in 29 points and added 11 assists in the road win.
The Raptors have gone 2-2 since VanVleet has been hurt and stand to benefit from the fourth-year guard's return. They have an upcoming schedule featuring a rematch with a determined Nets team reeling from the controversial comments made by All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving.
Despite the offseason overhaul after the departures of Leonard and Danny Green, the Raptors are still humming along in 2020 — thanks in part to Fred VanVleet's performance.
At 26-14, the Raptors are fourth in the east.
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