The Toronto Raptors were on a meteoric rise up the Eastern Conference standings over the last six weeks. However, on Friday, they were dealt a serious setback as starting small forward OG Anunoby will be out Friday and likely beyond with a fractured finger.

Click here for our Risk Free $1000 Bet!

*To claim, new users need to register, make a first deposit, and then simply place their first real-money wager on FanDuel Sportsbook up to $1000! If a user loses their first wager, we’ll refund their losses in the form of a free bet up to $1000!*

Anunoby has a fractured right ring finger that he likely suffered at practice earlier in the week. The Raptors forward previously missed 14 games with a hip flexor that he also sustained at practice. That's a tough blow for Toronto in the deep Eastern Conference.

Raptors starting point guard Fred VanVleet is also questionable to play Friday night against the Charlotte Hornets with right knee soreness. Although, it was reported on Thursday that VanVleet is expected to be available.

Anunoby was averaging 17.5 points per game, to go along with 5.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists this season. However, the lack of his presence will likely be felt more so on the defensive end. Anunoby is gobbling up 1.5 steals per game, 12th in the NBA. Toronto is allowing only 106.9 points per game, which is among the best in the conference. Anunoby is a big reason why.

The Raptors enter Friday's game 32-25, sitting seventh in the east. The goal certainly was to climb up at least one spot, in order to avoid the play-in tournament. Those hopes took a blow with the news of Anunoby's injury.