Centre Jakob Poeltl has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers as the team manages his lower back injury, they announced ahead of the contest.
Saturday’s game against Philly comes on the second night of a back-to-back, after the Raptors took down the Atlanta Hawks 109-97 in NBA Cup action on Friday.
Poeltl suited up for that outing against Atlanta, marking his second appearance back with the team after missing three games in late October-early November with the back injury.
The 30-year-old played 25 minutes in the win over the Hawks, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds and one block while shooting 80 per cent from the field.
On the season, the Vienna, Austria, native is averaging 7.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 22.8 minutes a night. The team has been cautious with Poeltl this season as he has been dealing with back pain since pre-season.
Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles suited up at the five in Poeltl’s three-game absence, averaging 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks in those outings.
