Is Precious Achiuwa playing tonight? Latest injury update for Spurs vs Raptors 11/5

Oct 20, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) tries to shoot a basket overtop of Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa (5) Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) tries to shoot a basket overtop of Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa (5) Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Raptors need all hands on deck against the San Antonio Spurs, as all of Victor Wembanyama and his 7-4 frame are waiting for Scottie Barnes and the rest of this 2-4 team. Getting Precious Achiuwa back would be a tremendous feather in Toronto’s cap.

Wembanyama’s unique physical frame makes it tough for anyone to match up with him, but a smaller Toronto team will have no shot of slowing him down if they are unable to control the paint and make their presence felt on the boards. If Achiuwa, still nursing a groin injury, doesn’t play, that task could get much harder.

The Spurs not only have Wembanyama, but the presence of Zach Collins and point-forward wannabe Jeremy Sochan in the starting lineup gives them three players who are 6-8 or taller. That size could be very problematic if Toronto can’t lean on a player like Achiuwa.

Precious Achiuwa Injury Status for tonight’s game vs. Spurs

Achiuwa hasn’t been cleared to play and has been listed as doubtful due to his nagging groin injury. The Raptors are clearly missing his physicality and rebounding inside, as their inability to replace him was killer in a loss against the 76ers.

Who would replace Precious Achiuwa in the rotation?

Otto Porter Jr. got his first minutes of the season in the win against Milwaukee, and it stands to reason that he will be back on the floor following a rest DNP in Toronto’s loss against the 76ers. Perhaps Jalen McDaniels ends up back on the floor.

Projected starting lineups tonight

Toronto

PG Dennis Schroder

SG OG Anunoby

SF Scottie Barnes

PF Pascal Siakam

C Jakob Poeltl

San Antonio

PG Jeremy Sochan

SG Malaki Branham

SF Keldon Johnson

PF Zach Collins

C Victor Wembanyama

Toronto Raptors next 5 opponents

Toronto will move on to dates with stars like Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum three times in their next five games. The schedule doesn’t get easier from here on out.

Nov. 8 @ Dallas Mavericks

Nov.11 @ Boston Celtics

Nov. 13 vs. Washington Wizards

Nov. 15 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Nov. 17 vs. Boston Celtics

Raptors injury report

Christian Koloko-OUT-Respiratory Condition

Precious Achiuwa-DOUBTFUL-Groin

Spurs injury report

Devin Vassell-OUT-Groin