Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl is out for Sunday's game at the Lakers with a left shoulder injury. The Raptors will play without their starting center, and Kawhi Leonard is also out.
What happened
Jakob Poeltl is listed as out on the injury report posted Sunday, Nov. 1, at 9:04 PM ET. The injury is described as a left shoulder and arm issue. Vivek Jacob of the Raptors' official site reports that Poeltl won't play in Sunday's game against the Lakers. The report shows no earlier status for this injury. Poeltl was last on the report on Oct. 16, when he was day-to-day for rest, and he was cleared the next day. The report lists Nov. 2 as his expected return date. No other timeline has been announced.
What it means for the Raptors
Toronto plays at the Lakers on Sunday at 9:00 PM ET. The Raptors are 3-2, in fifth place, and lost their last game. Poeltl has played all five games, averaging 20.2 minutes, 4.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists. The Raptors have not played without him this season, so there is no with-and-without record. Kawhi Leonard is also out with a left knee issue, and Nate Bittle is out with a right foot issue. The minutes have to be spread across the rest of the rotation. Collin Murray-Boyles (18.9 minutes, 8.4 points) and Jamison Battle (15.1 minutes, 5.2 points) are the next names in line.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether the shoulder issue carries over. The report lists Nov. 2 as Poeltl's expected return date, but the team has not said how the shoulder is responding or what his status is for the next game. Toronto also has to account for Leonard and Bittle, who are both out. Watch the Raptors' next report for updates on all three players. Poeltl's minutes and his 5.8 rebounds a game are the numbers to track once he is back.
Is Jakob Poeltl playing at the Lakers?
No. Poeltl is out for Sunday's game at the Lakers with a left shoulder issue, according to the injury report. Vivek Jacob of the Raptors' official site also reports that he won't play.
When will Jakob Poeltl be back?
The injury report lists Nov. 2 as his expected return date. The Raptors have not announced anything beyond that.