How long is O.G. Anunoby out? Hip injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Raptors forward

Gilbert McGregor

How long is O.G. Anunoby out? Hip injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Raptors forward  image

O.G. Anunoby had been Toronto's most durable player to start the 2022-23 season, but a heavy workload has taken its toll.

After appearing in each of the Raptors' first 26 games, Anunoby's first absence of the season came on Dec. 11 as he missed Toronto's meeting with Orlando due to a hip injury.

In recent years, various ailments and a string of back luck have impacted Anunoby's ability to stay on the floor. The 25-year-old's health to open this season has been something of a revelation for Toronto, which has benefitted from an All-Star-level leap from Anunoby.

How serious is Anunoby's setback? Here is what we know about his status and what it means for the Raptors moving forward.

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What is O.G. Anunoby's injury?

Anunoby first appeared on the injury report on Dec. 10 with hip soreness. According to head coach Nick Nurse, nothing "troubling" was revealed after Anunoby underwent imaging on the injury.

Before sitting out, Anunoby saw 44 minutes of playing time against the Magic on Friday, Dec. 9. This season, Anunoby averages 36.7 minutes per game and, prior to sitting out, was among the league's top five in total minutes played

This season, Anunoby is averaging 19.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists while playing elite defense.

MORE: O.G. Anunoby is your favorite player's worst nightmare

How long will O.G. Anunoby be out?

On Dec. 13, Nurse told reporters that Anunoby would be re-evaluated in one week's time. That would've sidelined him for another four games with a possible return on Dec. 21, but he's listed as questionable for Toronto's matchup with Philadelphia on Dec. 19.

More updates on Anunoby's status will come as they are made available.

MORE: Jayson Tatum endorses O.G. Anunoby's All-Star push

Raptors schedule 2022-23

Here are the next five games on Toronto's schedule:

Date Opponent Time (ET) TV channel
Dec. 19 at 76ers 7 p.m. SN
Dec. 21 at Knicks 7:30 p.m. TSN
Dec. 23 at Cavaliers 7:30 p.m. TSN
Dec. 27 vs. Clippers 7:30 p.m. SN One
Dec. 29 vs. Grizzlies 7:30 p.m. SN One

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.