The Toronto Raptors may not have sold any of their starters at the trade deadline, but they did make one big move when they acquired Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs. After trading him away to acquire Kawhi Leonard, Poeltl is returning to the team that drafted him No. 9 overall.
Poeltl, who will wear No. 19 with the Raptors instead of the No. 42 he had in his first stint, will help Toronto become a much-better rebounding and shot-blocking team after struggling in that area all season long. He was expensive, but he is still a quality player.
Poeltl could make his Raptors debut as soon as tonight against the Utah Jazz, as he will likely be inserted into the starting lineup as the center immediately. It will be interesting to see how the lineup around him and Pascal Siakam changes from a schematic point of view.
Jakob Poeltl injury status tonight vs. Jazz
Poeltl is officially listed as questionable for this game, but that is due to the technicalities of his trade not being processed rather than any sort of injury. The latest buzz suggests that Poeltl’s paperwork will be processed in time for him to suit up tonight.
Jakob Poeltl is questionable tomorrow vs. the Jazz with "trade pending." He stayed overnight in Toronto and was found eating breakfast in the OVO center this morning.
— Oren Weisfeld (@OrenWeisfeld) February 9, 2023
I'm told it is likely the trade will go through in time and he will play.
Is Russell Westbrook playing vs. Raptors?
Westbrook is listed as out for this game, and there is some genuine speculation as to what his future in the NBA will look like. Given his bloated salary and the fact that Utah is the furthest thing from a win-now team, he doesn’t fit the timeline Danny Ainge has created.
Russell Westbrook has interest in joining the Clippers or Heat if bought out by the Jazz, per @LawMurrayTheNU pic.twitter.com/0lNrBnziWA
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 9, 2023
Full Raptors injury report vs Jazz:
On top of the fact that Poeltl is still potentially up in the air, the Raptors still do not have the services of forward OG Anunoby. It remains to be seen how long this wrist injury is going to sideline him.
Full Jazz injury report vs Raptors:
Much like the Raptors, the Jazz could be missing some of their new additions as they wait for trades to get finalized. Westbrook, who may never play for them due to his contract status, is out, as are former Lakers Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones.
Raptors upcoming schedule and opponents:
The Raptors will come back home and take on the Pistons and Magic before starting their post-deadline life back in Toronto with games against the Pelicans and Cavs
February 12 vs. Detroit Pistons
February 14 vs. Orlando Magic
February 23 vs. New Orleans Pelicans
February 25 @ Detroit Pistons
February 26 @ Cleveland Cavaliers