Trey Jemison III left the Raptors' roster today, a transaction Hoops Rumors first reported on October 14, leaving Jakob Poeltl as the only proven center healthy for tonight's rematch in New York. Toronto throttled the Knicks 148-98 on October 13, and this is the second of two preseason meetings between the clubs this fall.
Center Depth Thins
Trey Jemison III is off the two-way roster as of today, a move Hoops Rumors first reported on October 14. It leaves Jakob Poeltl, who averaged 10.7 points and 7.0 rebounds in 25.0 minutes last season, as the only established center healthy right now. Jamarion Sharp, signed October 12 to compete for a two-way spot, inherits more of that audition. Nate Bittle remains out with a foot injury and isn't expected back before the October 21 opener.
Knicks, Round Two
Toronto is back in New York tonight for the second preseason meeting between these clubs, two days after a 148-98 rout in which Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points and Scottie Barnes added 19. New York's injury report lists five starters — Brunson, Towns, Bridges, Anunoby and Hart — as questionable for rest. One more preseason game follows, tomorrow at Detroit, before the regular-season opener October 21 against the Bulls.
Who Fills Minutes
The real question is who backs up Poeltl once games count. Sharp arrives with no NBA minutes on his record, and Bittle's return won't land before the opener. Rajakovic has tonight and tomorrow's trip to Detroit left to sort it out before the record resets to 0-0 for real on October 21.
Why did the Raptors waive Trey Jemison III?
Toronto waived the two-way big man, a move Hoops Rumors first reported on October 14; no further reason was given beyond the transaction itself.
Who plays center for the Raptors right now?
Jakob Poeltl is the only established center currently healthy, with two-way signee Jamarion Sharp behind him and Nate Bittle out with a foot injury until the opener.
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