Raptors vs Thunder injury report for March 16: Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing?
By Mike Luciano
Fred VanVleet and the Toronto Raptors are in a position where every single game in the remainder of the season has tons of importance placed on it. Any little slip-up could be catastrophic for Toronto’s chances of making it to the postseason, and this team is well aware.
Beating the Denver Nuggets after scoring 49 points in the first quarter was certainly a good start, but the famous inconsistency of this Raptors team could easily rear its ugly head against an Oklahoma City Thunder team with enough quality young players to give them a headache.
The Thunder have shown they can be a tough out in the West and are every bit as deserving of being a postseason team as any other foe in that conference. Toronto is widely expected to have their hands completely full in this game due to all of OKC’s offensive firepower.
Is Fred VanVleet playing vs. Thunder?
VanVleet is healthy and ready to go against Oklahoma City. After torching the Nuggets for 36 points, much will be expected of the veteran leader against a team that is eyeing a big road win.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing vs. Raptors?
Gilgeous-Alexander appears all good to go against Toronto. Jamal Murray was terrible in his Canada homecoming, so Oklahoma City will obviously be hoping for a better performance out of their north of the border star.
Full Raptors injury report vs. Thunder:
VanVleet being healthy means that the only players who will be out for Toronto in this game will be Otto Porter Jr, who is out for the season due to a foot problem, and Dalano Banton due to a thumb injury.
Full Thunder injury report vs. Raptors:
On top of No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren once again remaining out due to his season-ending issue, both big man Alekjsej Pokusevski and wing Kenrich Williams are not going to suit up in this game against Toronto.
Raptors upcoming schedule and opponents:
Toronto will face off against another Northwest team in the Timberwolves before a date with the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers next week.
March 18 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
March 19 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
March 22 vs. Indiana Pacers
March 24 vs. Detroit Pistons