The Toronto Raptors were hoping for Pascal Siakam's return next week, as he took part on his first practice on Friday after going down to a groin injury on Dec. 18. Yet a potential return for Sunday's game against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday is not completely out of the question, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN. Norman Powell is set to return by Sunday but will be geared up slowly, according to head coach Nick Nurse. Marc Gasol, who has missed as many games as Siakam (11), could take a bit longer to return.
Siakam will be back soon after nearly missing an entire month with his injury, but if he progresses well in the next couple of days, he could find himself beating his expected return and rejoining the starting lineup Sunday, much sooner than expected.
The Raptors had planned for Siakam to return either Wednesday on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder or next Friday at home against the Washington Wizards, but it will all depend on how his groin area reacts after a full-fledged practice.
Toronto is 6-5 without the trio of Siakam, Gasol, and Powell — as the three found themselves hitting the infirmary at the same time.
Kyle Lowry has done his part to keep the team afloat, posting 23.3 points per game since the trio went out and is now back to his high-scoring ways this season, averaging 20.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game.
Lowry is also leading the league in minutes at a whopping 38.4 per night, a trend that will likely continue with Fred VanVleet still struggling with a hamstring injury.
Follow Us
Subscribe