The Toronto Raptors were the latest to be hit with a feared COVID-19 outbreak as their matchup against the Chicago Bulls scheduled to be played on Sunday night was eventually postponed. Due to the league's health and safety protocols, most of the Raptors' players failed to suit up against the Bulls which hindered the team from fielding the required minimum of eight players on their roster, via Tim Bontemps.
The Raptors won Friday against the Rockets with Pascal Siakam and most of their coaching staff, including head coach Nick Nurse, out for the same reason. Given the All-Star Break begins Thursday, have to wonder if Toronto plays again before the break. https://t.co/dFcm9EPduk
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) February 28, 2021
On Friday night, the Raptors already faced their latest matchup against the Houston Rockets with a depleted lineup. Some members of the coaching staff including head coach Nick Nurse himself needed to self-isolate due to concerns about the virus. In light of his absence, assistant coach Sergio Scariolo served as the main tactician of the team against the Rockets.
A handful of players headlined by All-Star Pascal Siakam also missed the tilt as well. Despite playing without several members of the team, the Raptors still emerged victorious on a 122-111 win due to Norman Powell's 30-point production.
The Raptors are currently holding a 17-17 record, which places them at the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, their supposed opponents in the Bulls are trailing just a game behind with a 15-17 tally for the eighth seed.
As of the moment, it remains uncertain if the Raptors can play out the two games remaining on their schedule prior to the All-Star break. They are initially slated to host the Detroit Pistons next Tuesday followed by a visit to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. After the break, the Raptors will open the second half of the season with a homestand against the Atlanta Hawks on March 11.
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