The Toronto Raptors might’ve polished off a dominant win against a very injured Brooklyn Nets team, but the celebration ended as soon as the final whistle blew, as star bench player and power forward Chris Boucher left the game early with a knee injury.
Boucher came into the contest averaging 13.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, using his blend of size, leaping ability and shooting range to become a true matchup nightmare. Opposing coaches will be able to breathe a sigh of relief, as Boucher might not suit up for a while.
Boucher was ruled out with what was termed a knee sprain, which will likely mean it will be a week or two before the Raptors can have his services once again. In such an unlucky season, the Raptors continue to get attacked by the basketball gods for no reason at all.
Boucher was not only ruled out for the remainder of the game swiftly after his injury occurred, but he is undergoing an MRI on said knee to determine the exact severity of it. Simply put, this is a disaster, even after the frontcourt showed during the Nets game that they are capable of banging with the best.
Injury update: Chris Boucher, left knee sprain, will not return.
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 22, 2021
Chris Boucher’s knee injury is the worst-case scenario for the Toronto Raptors.
Outside of Pascal Siakam, Boucher is the only true power forward on this roster. OG Anunoby can play the spot if required, but he has been operating around the perimeter more often than not this season. New signings Khem Birch and Freddie Gillespie are centers through and through, as they lack a great offensive punch outside of the paint.
Boucher presented a unique matchup problem for defenses. While he was too quick and athletic for opposing big men, he was too lanky and long for opposing guards on the perimeter to defend well. Throw a lethal 3-point shot into the equation, and you get one of the most improved players at any position in the league.
With Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet returning to the starting lineup, Gary Trent Jr. might start coming off of the bench. He will need to be as deadly as he was when he was in the starting lineup, as the lack of bench scoring outside of Boucher has been pathetic this season. It;s up to Trent, Gillespie, and Malachi Flynn to all pick up the slack.
If it wasn’t for bad luck this season, the Raptors wouldn’t have any luck at all. Just when the team started to roll and show that they are a force to be reckoned with come playoff time, the one player that has shown a sustained period of success as a reserve this season goes out for the foreseeable future.
Time will tell if this injury turns out to be destabilizing.