The Toronto Raptors may be down a big man when they face the Boston Celtics on Saturday.
Starting centre Jakob Poeltl is doubtful to play the divisional contest due to lower back injury management, the Raptors said.
Poeltl also missed Thursday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He has played in just 20 of 28 games as he manages the ailment.
The Austrian big man suffered the initial injury on Oct. 27, when he exited a game early against the San Antonio Spurs and missed the two subsequent games.
The issue has slowed down his production this season, holding him to averages of 10.1 points, eight rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game while playing 26.2 minutes a night.
Also out for the Raptors on Saturday is RJ Barrett, who has been sidelined with a right knee sprain since Nov. 23. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection last week and has been participating in return-to-play activities this week.
The Mississauga, Ont., native had a strong start to his season before the injury, averaging 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 30.9 minutes in 17 games.