Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol was removed from Wednesday night's game against the Detroit Pistons after suffering an apparent hamstring injury. He will not return:
Update: Marc Gasol (left hamstring strain) will not return.
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 19, 2019
This is the first such hiccup for Gasol, who had played in all of Toronto's first 26 games.
The 34-year-old has found a way to impact the game despite a diminished role on the offensive end. Gasol is averaging just 6.8 points per game, but he is shooting close to 36 percent from beyond the arc while also averaging 3.5 assists. His ability to stretch the floor opens up the paint for the likes of Pascal Siakam, who has been tremendous in his fourth season.
Gasol's efforts have not gone unnoticed on the defensive end. He ranks 15th in defensive win shares (according to Basketball Reference) and has been a vital component in Toronto's ability to control the paint.
His most impressive performance of the season came against the Philadelphia 76ers on Nov. 25, when he helped hold Sixers center Joel Embiid scoreless in close to 32 minutes of action. Embiid shot 0-for-11 from the field and committed four turnovers. Gasol racked up a pair of blocks on the night.
There are likely to be a lot of questions as it pertains to Gasol over the next few months. He is on an expiring contract, and he could be a possible trade chip. Right now, that seems unlikely. The Raptors entered Wednesday night's game at 18-8 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Should they continue to fall in the standings, however, there is a chance that the Raptors would look to flip Gasol for future assets.
First, though, Toronto will hope that his hamstring injury is not serious.
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