The Toronto Raptors are six games into the season, but have already dealt with their share of injuries. When the Raptors take the court tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers Monday, they will be without two of their big men.
Forward Serge Ibaka (knee swelling) and center Jonas Valanciunas (sprained ankle) will both be held out against the Trail Blazers, the fourth of a six-game road trip for Toronto.
Raptors reporting Serge Ibaka (knee swelling) and Jonas Valanciunas (left ankle) are OUT for tonight's Blazers game.
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) October 30, 2017
Even though he's been traveling with the team, Valanciunas has yet to play during the road trip. Valanciunas is inching closer to a return, and has been practicing with the Raptors since Friday.
Pascal Siakam slotted in with Valanciunas out. In his past two starts, Siakam recorded a combined 38 points and 12 rebounds.
“You have to commend them guys for being ready and putting in the work,” DeMar DeRozan told The Toronto Star. “Whenever their names are called, they are ready and it shows out there on the court.”
Monday will be the first game that Ibaka has missed this season. Jakob Poeltl is projected to slide into Ibaka's spot, and the 7-foot center has already seen an increase of playing time this season.
Last year, Poeltl recorded over 20 minutes of playing time on five occasions. He's logged in at least 20 minutes twice this season.
The Raptors said they will update Lucas Nogueira's status closer to tip-off (10 p.m. ET). Nogueira missed Toronto's game against the Lakers on Friday with an ankle injury.