Raptors Injury Update: 7-Foot Big Man’s Concerning Blow Could Aid Tyrese Haliburton’s Disastrous Outing

The Indiana Pacers are struggling to stay afloat against the Toronto Raptors. Their superstar, Tyrese Haliburton, has failed to get things going in his favor all night. The 2-time All-Star scored only 4 points and 6 assists through the first three quarters. And that caused the Pacers to trail the Raptors by 3 points going into the final period. However, the Pacers got a glimmer of hope heading into the fourth quarter as Raptors’ Center Jakob Poeltl headed to the locker room after suffering a scary injury.

Jakob Poeltl tweaked his left ankle during the game and went to the locker room to get it re-taped. It is the same ankle that caused Poeltl to miss 11 games earlier this season. That is a devastating blow for the Raptors, as Poeltl was playing great tonight before he got injured. He scored 15 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists before leaving the game.

It was further revealed that Poeltl would miss the rest of the game due to a sprained ankle. The severity of the 7-footer’s ankle injury is unknown, and it is uncertain when he will return to action.

That might be the opening Tyrese Haliburton and Co. were looking for to get back in the game. With the in-form Jakob Poeltl out for the fourth quarter, the Pacers have a chance to make a comeback and aid Haliburton’s horrible outing. While Haliburton is having one of the worst games of this season, his teammates have kept the Pacers in the game. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers in scoring through the first three quarters with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner have also played great, combining for 36 points.

Jakob Poeltl’s injury could add to Toronto’s struggles

The Raptors have not had much to cheer about this season. They have gone All-in on their rebuild after parting ways with star players, including Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. The Raptors are currently 12th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 21-36 record. And Jakob Poeltl’s injury could increase their struggles even more. Poeltl has been playing great since he returned from his previous ankle injury. He had scored 5 double-doubles in the last 9 games.

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Even tonight, Poeltl looked in great shape before he got injured. If he misses more time due to the ankle injury, the Raptors will lose another decent player from their lineup. That might end their hopes of getting into the playoffs this year. Although, that ship might already have sailed a long time ago.