Pascal Siakam injury analysis: Doctor explains key factors for recovering from adductor strain, what's next for Raptors forward

The Raptors' resolve is being tested early in the 2022-23 season after All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam was ruled out for at least two weeks with a strain of the right adductor muscle.

Siakam's injury came late in the third quarter of a loss to the Mavericks on Saturday, Nov. 6. When attempting to change directions at the top of the key, the 28-year-old forward slipped and remained down as he was clearly in discomfort. The injury was ruled a right groin strain and he would not return.

Further testing revealed that Siakam had suffered a strained right adductor muscle, a concerning update given Siakam's importance to the team. Through nine games, Siakam was putting forth a career year with averages of 24.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists — production that is not easily replaced.

For more on Siakam's injury, The Sporting News reached out to medical expert, Dr. Michael S. George of the KSF Orthopaedic Center in Houston. Dr. George provided insight into the nature of the injury and the steps necessary for Siakam to return to play without the risk of further damaging the muscle group.

MORE: How Raptors can navigate Pascal Siakam's absence

Pascal Siakam injury analysis: Key factors to recover from adductor strain

What is an adductor strain?

The adductors are the group of muscles that bring the thigh to the midline of the body. There are four adductor muscles, the adductor longus, the adductor medius, the adductor magnus and the adductor gracilis.

The adductor muscles insert into the lower part of the pelvis. A strain of the adductor muscle insertion is also called a groin strain. Adductor strains are graded one through three based on their severity, with Grade 1 being a minor injury, Grade 2 involving more severe muscle injury and Grade 3 involving a tear of the tendon away from the bone.

When a Grade 3 injury is combined with a tear of the abdominal muscles from the bone, it is often called a sports hernia. Grade 3 injuries in high-level athletes sometimes require surgery.

What is typical recovery time from an adductor strain?

Similar to a hamstring injury, recovery from this injury will depend on how severe it is. In general, treatment includes rest, gentle stretching and a gradual return to activities.

Returning to basketball before the injury has healed completely would prolong recovery.

When will Pascal Siakam be cleared to return from his adductor strain?

He will have to be completely asymptomatic before returning to the court and, similar to a hamstring injury, will have to slowly progress in order to avoid setbacks, assuming this is a Grade 1 or 2 injury.

Once he has recovered, he will be expected to return to normal with no long-term problems.

Given the two-week timeline provided by the Raptors, Siakam could return on Nov. 23 at the earliest.

Pascal Siakam injury history

Throughout his seven-year career, Siakam has largely been durable. His longest absence came during the 2019-20 season, when he missed 11 games due to a "stretched groin," though the side was never specified.

Siakam played through left groin soreness in January 2021 and also missed extended time with a left shoulder injury that was ultimately ruled as a torn labrum. Siakam's second-longest absence (10 games) came while rehabbing his repaired left shoulder at the start of the 2021-22 season.