Prior to their matchup with Memphis tomorrow, the Raptors have suffered a tremendous setback, as Darko Rajaković has regretfully declared that…..

Prior to their matchup with Memphis tomorrow, the Raptors have suffered a tremendous setback, as Darko Rajaković has regretfully declared that…..

Pascal Siakam, a forward with the Toronto Raptors, will miss Wednesday night’s back-to-back game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Siakam was declared out of the game by the club following a last-minute addition to their list of injuries. It is said that he is experiencing back spasms.

 

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Despite playing all 37 games this season, the former champion and two-time All-Star will miss his opening game. In his place, Jontay Porter, Thaddeus Young, and Chris Boucher will see a lot of playing time.

Even on back-to-back nights before to this game, the 29-year-old veteran was healthy throughout the season and did not appear on the injury report. Although he hasn’t stated it clearly, it’s anticipated that he will return on January 12.

How did Pascal Siakam do the other night?

Pascal Siakam, the Raptors’ leader, is still playing with amazing skill. With 25 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 32 minutes of action on Tuesday, he made a major contribution to the squad.

Throughout the entire game, his cohesiveness and on-ball defense with their rising star Scottie Barnes were evident. In the fourth quarter, Barnes scored 26 points to support Siakam as the Raptors’ go-to player.

The Raptors lost to the LA Lakers 132-131 on the road despite his performances. Anthony Davis scored 41 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out six assists to lead the Lakers in an amazing effort and stat-filled game.

For the Toronto Raptors, what does Pascal Siakam’s absence mean?
The Raptors’ rotations and lineups will have to be modified to make up for the All-NBA forward’s diminished ability to contribute on both ends of the court.

The Raptors have had trouble staying fit. Jakob Poeltl, who has a left ankle sprain and is out indefinitely, will already be missed. After the Warriors game, forward Otto Porter Jr. suffered a strain to his right knee, which will also prevent him from playing.

In Siakam’s absence, the Raptors should start Gary Trent Jr. in their starting lineups, where he will share the backcourt with Thaddeus Young, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. For the first time this season, the Raptors started Young in place of the injured Poeltl.

On more than 50% of his shots, Pascal Siakam has averaged 22 points, six rebounds, and five assists. His contributions on defense are impressive. It’s amazing that for a wing/forward, opponents are only scoring 43% of the time in the paint and less than 40% from mid-range on eight attempts when he guards them.