Toronto center Jakob Poeltl missed Wednesday’s game against Houston because of back tightness and is listed as day-to-day, according to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg. The absence was his first of the season, but head coach Darko Rajaković said the issue had already limited the 7-footer in Toronto’s opening four contests, during which Poeltl averaged 6.5 points and posted a negative plus-minus each night.
“He was not himself in those games,” Rajaković told reporters, adding that rest should help and that the team does not expect a long-term problem.
Even when Poeltl is available, the Raptors remain undersized. That disadvantage was magnified against a bigger Rockets lineup featuring 6’8″ rookie Collin Murray-Boyles at center. Houston outrebounded Toronto 53-22 and collected 17 offensive boards in its 18-point victory.
Celtics Urge Patience, Find Results
The Boston Celtics opened the season with their longest regular-season losing streak since March 2023 at three games, but players and staff stressed that new pieces need time, The Boston Globe reported. “To replace those guys doesn’t happen overnight,” guard Jaylen Brown said, referencing the departure of four former All-Stars.
Boston responded with back-to-back wins, including a 20-point decision over Cleveland on Wednesday. Free-agent forward Josh Minott started both victories, averaging 13.0 points and 11.5 rebounds while posting a staggering +44.4 net rating in 61 minutes. After limited action during three seasons in Minnesota, Minott called his Boston opportunity “a blessing,” noting coaches have asked him primarily to defend, rebound, and space the floor.
Sixers Weigh Lineup Options
In a mailbag for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Keith Pompey addressed several 76ers topics, including Joel Embiid’s minutes limit and how the rotation could look once Paul George and rookie guard Jared McCain return from injuries. Pompey projects a healthy starting five of either Dominick Barlow or Kelly Oubre Jr. alongside George, Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and rookie VJ Edgecombe. He lists McCain, Quentin Grimes, Trendon Watford, and either Adem Bona or Andre Drummond as the primary reserves.
Source: Hoops Rumors
