Several clubs updated their injury reports Friday and Saturday, ruling out key contributors for upcoming matchups.
Raptors
Center Jakob Poeltl will sit for a second straight contest Saturday when Toronto hosts Boston as he continues to manage a back problem, head coach Darko Rajaković said. The coach described the plan as “day-to-day” strength building and pain management, adding that a two-week shutdown would likely solve the issue if it weren’t mid-season.
Forward RJ Barrett remains sidelined by a right knee sprain and will miss his 12th consecutive game. Barrett has returned to on-court work, is expected to go through live drills against coaches in the coming days, and will rejoin full practices once cleared.
Hawks
Rookie center N’Faly Dante left his G League debut with the College Park Skyhawks on Friday after awkwardly twisting his right knee while battling for a rebound. Witnesses reported significant pain, and teammates carried him off the floor. The outing was Dante’s first action since entering the concussion protocol on December 2.
76ers
Reigning MVP Joel Embiid (illness/right knee injury management) will miss his second game in a row Saturday against Dallas. Forward Paul George, also listed with left knee injury management, has been ruled out as well; George has yet to appear in both ends of a back-to-back this season after playing Friday in New York.
Pacers
Center Tony Bradley fractured the tip of his thumb, head coach Rick Carlisle said. Bradley is expected to remain available while wearing a splint, but Indiana signed James Wiseman to a 10-day contract for additional depth. Carlisle cautioned that Wiseman is probably not in full game shape.
Celtics
Boston will be without leading scorer Jaylen Brown (illness) for Saturday’s trip to Toronto. Brown had appeared in 26 of the team’s first 27 games.
Source: Hoops Rumors
