Toronto Raptors: Examining potential return dates for Marc Gasol

Denver Nuggets (Mar. 22)

For Marc Gasol, what better time to return than for a matchup with Nikola Jokic? The Nuggets’ centrepiece is a younger version of Gasol, essentially.

Denver, all year along, has remained near the top of the Western Conference standings. Playing at altitude, the Nuggets are 23-7 at home in 2019-20 and a more pedestrian 17-11 away from home. This particular game will be played in Toronto, so Gasol need not worry about his lungs getting bothered by a lack of oxygen. For somebody looking to return from injury and ease their way back into game shape, I cannot think of a worse place to attempt that than up in the mountains.

As of right now, the game against Denver is three weeks out which gives Gasol plenty of time to work with Toronto’s medical staff and ensure his hamstring is ready for the home stretch of the regular season, as well as the playoffs. At this stage, another hamstring issue could very well end Gasol’s season. Because of that risk, both player and team need to be on the same page. The risk of re-injury is always present but in the case of Gasol, every precaution must be exercised to minimize the likelihood of a setback.

While the allure of matching up with Jokic is sure to be a factor in the team’s decision-making process, there is little to be gained from Gasol playing at anything less than 100 percent, especially against an opponent from the other conference. From a watchability standpoint, Gasol v. Jokic is juicy, but don’t expect Toronto’s medical team to consider entertainment value in its collective decision regarding Gasol’s return timeline.

OTHER POSSIBLE RETURN DATES:

Los Angeles Lakers (Mar. 24) – A matchup with Anthony Davis would be good for Gasol, as it would give Toronto’s defensive quarterback an elite big to measure himself against before the start of the postseason. 

Memphis Grizzlies (Mar. 28) – Gasol’s former team, it goes without saying what it would mean for him to play the Grizzlies in Memphis. I just ask that he takes it easy on Jonas Valanciunas...I miss that loveable Lithuanian.