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Is OG Anunoby playing tonight, January 25th?

By Mike Luciano

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 30: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors dunks after the whistle during the first half of their NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Scotiabank Arena on December 30, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 30: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors dunks after the whistle during the first half of their NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Scotiabank Arena on December 30, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors will try to get their season back on track during a long West Coast road trip, starting against De’Aaron Fox and the red-hot Sacramento Kings. Unfortunately, they might do so without the services of star forward OG Anunoby.

On top of the fact that trade rumors are starting to swirl around the two-way dynamo and some sources are claiming that he wants out of Toronto, Anunoby is now dealing with an ankle injury. He’s already taken one game off as a result of this ailment, and he could miss more.

The Raptors are going into enemy territory against one of the most pleasantly surprising teams in the NBA and a high-octane offense. Toronto needs Anunoby’s defense on the floor if they want to corral Sacramento’s parade of scorers.

Anunoby has officially been listed as questionable for the Sacramento game. With Toronto potentially looking to get a huge haul back for him in a hypothetical trade, the Raptors will likely be very careful in how they handle Anunoby in his return from this ailment.

UPDATE: Anunoby will play against the Kings tonight.

OG Anunoby injury update (Updated January 25)

Anunoby hasn’t played more than 48 games in a season since the bubble year, missing 29 games during the team’s sabbatical in Tampa. A hip injury was one of a few bumps and bruises that sidelined him for 34 games last year. His body continues to let him down despite some generally improved play on both sides of the floor.

When healthy, Anunoby has mainly been impressive. He is currently leading the NBA in steals per game with 2.1 per contest while being one of the few in the league who can guard all five positions without one shred of hyperbole. He is averaging a career-best 17.4 points per game, though his efficiency isn’t what it was at his peak.

The Raptors have started Precious Achiuwa in the last two games where one of their starters has been unable to go, and he has rewarded their confidence in him with consecutive double-doubles. He might get an enhanced role with Anunoby not at his best.

While the Raptors might decide to bring a premature end to the Anunoby era if they can get multiple unprotected first-round picks in a trade, they should operate as if he is going to stick around with the team. The Raptors face an uphill battle against Sacramento with or without Anunoby’s skills in the lineup.

Toronto Raptors next 5 opponents:

Jan. 27 @ Golden State

Jan. 28 @ Portland

Jan. 30 @ Phoenix

Feb. 1 @ Utah

Feb. 3 @ Houston

dark. Next. NBA Mock Draft 2.0

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