The Toronto Raptors lost a big piece on Dec. 18 when centre Marc Gasol went down with a hamstring injury but is set to make a return.
When the Raptors pay a visit to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, Gasol is expected to return 28 days after sustaining the injury. However, TSN's Josh Lewenberg reported that he may be eased back into play by starting on the bench.
Gasol, the starting centre for the defending champion Raptors, was forced to leave the game against the Detroit Pistons nearly a month ago with a left hamstring strain. The 6-11 Spaniard could be seen clutching the back of his leg after attempting to block a shot by Pistons forward Blake Griffin in the first quarter and was helped off the court by teammate Kyle Lowry.
He played just 7:45 of Wednesday's contest, with one rebound and two steals.
Update: Marc Gasol (left hamstring strain) will not return.
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 19, 2019
A key part of the Raptors' tactical set-up at both ends of the floor, the 34-year-old Gasol has established himself as an important player since joining Toronto in a trade on Feb. 7. While his offensive numbers have been drastically reduced this season (he's averaging 6.8 points per game, down from his career average of 14.7), Gasol is still a key playmaker and elite defender for Toronto.
The player known as "Big Spain" averages 3.5 assists, 1.2 blocks and 0.8 steals in 29 minutes per-game so far this season.