The Toronto Raptors will be without center Marc Gasol for Thursday's game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers due to left hamstring tightness.
The absence marks his first game on the sidelines since Jan. 12, as he has started each of Toronto's past eight contests since returning from an absence that lasted more than three weeks.
Raptors list Marc Gasol as OUT against Cleveland tomorrow. No surprise there. It's first of a back-to-back. His status for Detroit the next night will be more interesting.
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) January 29, 2020
Due to the injury, Gasol was forced to depart Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks early. As noted above, Toronto finishes January by playing a back-to-back, the second game of which will be in Detroit on Friday. Gasol's status for that contest can best be described as questionable for the time being.
Without Gasol in the mix, Serge Ibaka is likely to serve in a much larger role. Chris Boucher, who has been utilized in Gasol's prior absences, could also be in line to see some additional run.
Gasol, who turned 35 on Wednesday, is having the most trying season statistically of his 12-year career, as he is on pace to average a career low in scoring at just 7.8 points on a nightly basis. Toronto's depth in the frontcourt has allowed him to play just 27.8 minutes per contest — which would also set a career low — yet he has retained his role in the starting five across all 35 of his appearances.
The Raptors made a significant splash prior to last season's trade deadline when they landed Marc Gasol in a blockbuster deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. A former Defensive Player of the Year, Gasol has anchored the team's defense this season, and his long-term health is paramount to the team once again making a deep postseason run.
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