Toronto, ON – Raptors center Jakob Poeltl will sit out his 10th consecutive game on Sunday as lower-back discomfort continues to slow his recovery, according to Sportsnet.ca. Although the 30-year-old has been cleared for contact drills, sources said recent workouts produced lingering pain, including “so-so” sessions in Boston on Thursday and Friday.
Poeltl’s setback has pushed Toronto to explore depth at center. League sources told Sportsnet the club is monitoring Magic big man Goga Bitadze, whose role could shrink with Moritz Wagner healthy and Orlando facing future cap decisions.
Agbaji’s minutes vanish amid trade chatter
Wing Ochai Agbaji, working on a $6.4 million expiring contract, received a DNP-CD in Friday’s loss at Boston despite the absence of Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. The 23-year-old acknowledged Toronto’s young reserves have struggled for consistency. “It’s obviously been tough… it’s just a matter of knowing your role and trying to be the best at it,” Agbaji said.
Brown vents after free-throw disparity
In Boston, Celtics guard Jaylen Brown publicly criticized the officiating crew led by Curtis Blair after Saturday’s four-point defeat to San Antonio. The Spurs attempted 20 free throws to the Celtics’ four. “I’m driving to the basket… and nothing. Zero free throws tonight. The inconsistency is f—– crazy,” Brown told reporters, adding he is willing to absorb an expected league fine.
Nets rest MPJ, praise Thomas’ spark
The Nets held forward Michael Porter Jr. out of Sunday’s game in Memphis for rest. Head coach Jordi Fernandez called the veteran’s season “All-Star” caliber and said Porter “has played like an All-Star.”
Guard Cam Thomas has come off the bench since returning from a hamstring strain. Fernandez said the second unit is “trying to play the right way” and highlighted Thomas’ scoring gravity, noting that defensive attention on the fifth-year guard frees opportunities for teammates.
Source: Hoops Rumors
