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The coronavirus has effectively shut down the NBA for the next eight weeks at least, which means we may not see basketball again until June. The Toronto Raptors — like all professional teams — have been taking this outbreak very seriously with a self-quarantine. The Raptors announced a few days back that all members of the organization who were tested for COVID-19 came back negative, including Serge Ibaka. Outbreak aside, the Raptors have been one of the most injured teams all season. Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol, Fred VanVleet, Norman Powell and Patrick McCaw have all missed time due to injury. Let’s go over some of the current injuries for Toronto and how the time off will impact them.
Toronto Raptors injury report
Marc Gasol (rest) — DTD
Norman Powell (ankle) — DTD
Fred VanVleet (shoulder) — DTD
The Raptors were fortunate to get relatively healthy a few games before the hiatus began. Powell tweaked his ankle against the Warriors in Stephen Curry’s return to the court, but it wasn’t considered serious. If the League was operating right now, Powell would likely be on the court. FVV had missed six games prior to the break due to a shoulder injury. It didn’t appear as if he were close to returning, being listed as doubtful on most injury reports. The time off, however, should help VanVleet and the veteran Gasol get back to 100%.
How will these injuries impact the rest of the season?
It really can’t be overstated how much the break helps the Raptors. I liked their potential as title contenders prior to the league shutting down and now I like them even more if the NBA comes back for the postseason. Toronto has a deep roster and would have some momentum as the No. 2 seed in the East while defending the title. If any team is in a playoff mindset from the East, I think it’s the Raps. Let’s also not forget rest for Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam after the long season and playoff run in 2019.