For the first time since December 8, the Toronto Raptors have dropped three consecutive games. With that in mind, do we suppose the reigning champions’ ailments have finally caught up with them?
To this point in the season, the Toronto Raptors have consistently shocked not just their supporters, but also basketball fans in general, by playing hard despite being shorthanded almost every night.
However, after three straight losses, it’s evident that injuries have finally caught up with the Drakes. It was unavoidable sooner or later.
The Raptors attempted to restrict Nikola Jokic against the Denver Nuggets by using Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and OG Anunoby, both of whom battled bravely but still enabled the silky Serbian to register his 12th double-double of the season. Imagine the damage Jokic could have done if Anunoby hadn’t tallied up seven steals in the defeat.
Meanwhile, Norman Powell performed admirably in his second game back from injury. However, due to an injury to Fred VanVleet, Powell was forced to start, leaving Toronto’s bench without its most deadly weapon. Serge Ibaka’s absence also didn’t assist the Raptors’ cause.
As excellent as Toronto’s previous efforts have been, the weight has grown too much for its present roster of healthy players; reinforcements are required. And as soon as possible.
Nobody knows when Gasol, Ibaka, and VanVleet will return, but Nick Nurse has to be hoping the answer is “soon.”
Which Raptor is the most useful while injured?
In some ways, it’s an unfair question considering all three injured players (Gasol/Ibaka/VanVleet) play crucial roles for Toronto. If I had to select who is most missed, I’d choose VanVleet. He’s missed 12 games this season, and Toronto is 7-5 in those games.
In comparison, the Raptors are 15-10 sans Gasol and 9-4 without Ibaka. So far, the club has managed to function without its two major big men, but the absence of VanVleet has been more difficult to overcome.
The impact VanVleet’s absence has on Toronto’s rotation – forcing Powell to start, which severely diminishes the umph of the Raptors’ second unit – is a key reason for the team’s troubles when he doesn’t play. Powell has done better as a starter than as a reserve in 2020, although he is still best used as the team’s sixth player. That might change in the coming years, but not right now.
Aside from VanVleet, I believe Gasol is the other key player Toronto would prefer to see return sooner rather than later. His great basketball IQ on both ends drastically changes how Toronto runs, and his presence has been badly missed, despite his team’s performance without him. Still, Toronto’s medical team must be cautious with Gasol and cannot risk another setback. A third change might be the end of the season.
Chris Boucher squandered a chance.
Chris Boucher has been a spark plug all season, but he was anything but against Denver on Sunday. In my years of watching basketball, he played nine of the worst minutes I’ve ever seen from a bench player. Perhaps a little harsh?
