Jakob Poeltl was ruled out for Monday's game at the Clippers with a left shoulder issue. The Raptors, 3-3 and losers of two straight, will play without their center and without Kawhi Leonard and Nate Bittle.
What happened
Poeltl was downgraded from Day-To-Day to Out on Mon, Nov 2 at 9:44 PM ET, about 15 minutes before tip-off at the Clippers. The injury report lists the issue as a left shoulder and arm problem. Zulfi Sheikh reported that Poeltl (shoulder) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Clippers. The injury report gives an expected return date of Nov 4. This is the second time in two days his status has changed. He was listed Out on Sun, Nov 1, moved to Day-To-Day on Mon, Nov 2, and is now Out again for the same injury.
What it means for the Raptors
Toronto plays at the Clippers on Mon, Nov 2 at 10:00 PM ET, sitting 5th in the standings at 3-3 and coming off two straight losses. Poeltl has played five games this season and averages 20.2 minutes, 4.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists. The Raptors are 3-2 with him and 0-1 without him. In box scores without him, Scottie Barnes has averaged 32.8 minutes and 24.8 points, RJ Barrett 31.7 and 19.8, and Immanuel Quickley 30.6 and 16.5. Collin Murray-Boyles (19.1 minutes) and Jamison Battle (15.3) also logged rotation time. Leonard (left knee) and Bittle (right foot) are both listed Out.
What to watch
The next injury report is the place to look for Poeltl's status. The report lists an expected return of Nov 4, but the team has not announced a specific game or a firm timeline. Poeltl's status has moved between Out and Day-To-Day over the past two days, so another change is possible. Leonard and Bittle are also Out, so the report will show how thin the Raptors' frontcourt is. Barnes, Murray-Boyles and Battle are the players to track for minutes.
Is Jakob Poeltl playing at the Clippers?
No. Poeltl was ruled out for Monday's game at the Clippers with a left shoulder issue, Zulfi Sheikh reports. He had been listed Day-To-Day before the downgrade.
When will Jakob Poeltl be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Nov 4. The Raptors have not announced a specific game or a firm timeline.