TITLE: Raptors Outmuscled Without Poeltl; Celtics, Sixers Exercise Rookie Options
SLUG: raptors-miss-poeltl-celtics-sixers-rookie-options
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Toronto Raptors
The Raptors’ lack of size was evident Wednesday in Houston, where Toronto was beaten on the boards 53–22 during a loss to the Rockets. Center Jakob Poeltl sat out with back tightness after appearing in the first four games of the season. Head coach Darko Rajaković said the injury has limited the 7-footer from the outset, noting that Poeltl is “not moving the way we know he can move.”
Toronto plans to give Poeltl additional rest, but front-court depth remains an issue even when he returns. The shortage was underscored when 6-foot-8 rookie Collin Murray-Boyles was pressed into a starting role at center. “They just manhandled us inside the paint,” Rajaković said. “We did not have an answer for the rebounding.”
Boston Celtics
Boston has guaranteed the third-year option on guard Baylor Scheierman’s rookie contract, according to HoopsHype. The decision secures his $2.74 million salary for the 2026-27 season. Scheierman, 25, was the final selection of the 2024 first round and has yet to earn a significant rotation role, but the team views him as part of its long-term plans.
The Celtics have rebounded from an 0-3 start with back-to-back wins. Veteran wing Jaylen Brown cautioned that the reworked roster needs time to mesh. “We lost four All-Stars last season,” Brown told The Boston Globe. “Replacing those guys doesn’t happen overnight. It doesn’t happen in a week either.”
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia will also keep a recent first-rounder in the fold, picking up the 2026-27 team option on guard Jared McCain’s rookie deal. McCain averaged 15.3 points on .460/.383/.875 shooting before a meniscus tear cut short his rookie campaign. He is recovering from a thumb procedure but is expected back soon.
When healthy, McCain will rejoin a 4-0 Sixers team featuring Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, with Paul George slated to enter the lineup later in the season, adding even more scoring punch.
Source: Hoops Wire
