Jakob Poeltl Returns to Raptors Lineup After Two-Month Absence
jakob-poeltl-returns-to-raptors-lineup-after-two-month-absence
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl is scheduled to play Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons, ending a layoff that began on December 21 due to a lingering back strain.
Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy reported that Poeltl will be eased back with a yet-to-be-disclosed minutes restriction. The organization has taken a cautious approach with the Austrian big man, who has appeared in only 21 games this season.
Limited court time has kept Poeltl from finding a rhythm. He is averaging his fewest minutes since the 2019-20 campaign and his lowest scoring output since 2021-22, although his efficiency remains strong at a career-best 69.1 percent true shooting.
During Poeltl’s absence, rookie Collin Murray-Boyles and forward-center Sandro Mamukelashvili split starting duties at the five. Mamukelashvili has opened 11 games, while Murray-Boyles has started 19, including each of his last 15 appearances. Murray-Boyles will sit out Wednesday with a thumb injury, and the coaching staff has not announced whether Poeltl will start immediately.
Detroit will be without its usual interior tandem of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, both serving the first game of suspensions stemming from Monday’s altercation with the Charlotte Hornets.
Tip-off between Toronto and the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons is set for tonight.
Source: Hoops Rumors
