The Toronto Raptors announced that they will be sitting out two of their best players as they begin their three-game home stand against the Phoenix Suns later tonight.
No Lowry or Kawhi tonight. Load management. Or Anunoby. For Raptors
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) January 17, 2019
Both Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard aren't dealing with any official injuries. However, the Raptors would like to give them some rest, as both have been playing a lot of minutes during the first half of the season and have been banged up at various points.
Leonard currently averages 27.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.9 steals, while Lowry is putting up 13.9 points, 9.5 assists, and 4.3 boards per game. Both are logging in at least 34 minutes per game.
OG Anunoby, the third player to sit out the Suns game, is averaging 7.5 points in 20 minutes per contest.
All three are expected to suit up against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.
The Raptors, who lost to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday will be playing the second game of a back-to-back. Guys like Danny Green, Norman Powell, and even Patrick McCaw are set to see extended minutes at the small forward spot, while Fred VanVleet and Delon Wright will take Lowry's minutes at point.
Toronto is in a tight race with the Milwaukee Bucks for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Even without their stars, the Raptors will have a good chance to win given they're playing the lowly Suns.
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