Raptors: Stock up, Stock down as tough injuries keep piling up

The Toronto Raptors have been winning games over the last few days, taking down the Pistons and Heat despite some big names being out due to injuries. This has been an excellent response from this team, as they had spent the last few days getting their teeth kicked in.

The Pacers and Thunder, neither of whom are expected to be playoff teams this season, beat the stuffing out of the Raptors, taking advantage of their lack of depth. By the time the Raptors got revenge on former coach Dwane Casey in Detroit, Nick Nurse had somewhat stabilized things.

Toronto finally has some time off to catch their breath, as they play just three games in the next week. The Raptors just need to hold on until the cavalry comes, and Nurse has done a solid job when it comes to getting the best possible performance out of the end of his bench.

The Raptors have to be generally pleased with how their bench players have performed in this stretch. However, this stretch of basketball has been marred by some disappointing showings. Which Raptors are playing well? Which ones need a solid kick in the rear to get going?

Stock up, stock down as Raptors keep winning amid injuries

Stock up: Juancho Hernangomez

Hernangomez had some very tough performances early in the season, so much so that Nurse essentially excommunicated him from the rotation. Just a few weeks later, the NBA’s resident actor supreme looks like a completely different player in his new role as a glass-cleaning forward.

Hernangomez has averaged 4.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 19.6 minutes per game over the last four contests. Per 36 minutes, Hernangomez is one basket shy of averaging a double-double. Bo Cruz was a +11 in the Detroit win and +17 in the Miami victory despite not making a shot.

Juancho Hernangomez has played well for the Toronto Raptors lately.

Hernangomez has hit three of his eight 3-pointers in this span, showing that his ability to space the floor is still there. Just when it was starting to look like giving him guaranteed money was a mistake, Juancho has played some of his best individual basketball in a while.

Hernangomez may not have the same rotation role when everyone is healthy again, but he can still make a very convincing case to be the tenth guy off the bench if he finds a way to shoot and rebound at a high level. If nothing else, fans can breathe easy when No. 41 checks into the game.