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As an example, leading up to trade deadline in February, the Raptors were working hard to try and make a deal that would land them Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies before he was ultimately traded to the Utah Jazz in a package that included three first round picks, according to multiple league sources. The sticking point was finding someone to take on Jakob Poeltl’s four years and $104 million the 30-year-old has owed to him.
William Lou: "Me personally, I think Jakob was unbelievable for us. Yak helps me in so many different ways ... He's instrumental for our team and we need him" Scottie Barnes comes to Jakob Poeltl's defense
Josh Lewenberg: Rajakovic wouldn't commit to a starting C for tomorrow's Game 3. "I don't know. I've got a lot of time to think about that."
Josh Lewenberg: Both Jamal Shead and Jakob Poeltl mentioned effort being an issue. Jak on how effort can be lacking in playoffs: “It’s not for a lack of trying. It’s more knowing when to be aggressive, when to stick to our schemes. I think we were a bit discombobulated… We have to play more within our character”
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Josh Lewenberg: Jamal Shead will play his 82nd game of the season today. He's the first Raptor to play 82 since Jakob Poeltl in 2017-18. Shead also led Toronto in games played (75) as a rookie second-rounder last year & didn't miss a single game due to injury in his 4-year collegiate career at Houston
Josh Lewenberg: And we have our answer. Poeltl is out tonight for injury management. Quickley will also miss the game in Utah with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. CMB is questionable.
The last time Poeltl played more than 36 minutes in a regulation game was Dec. 1, 2024. The last time he played more than 32 minutes in a regulation game this season was Nov. 19. And Poeltl’s playing load has been carefully monitored all season, as he’s struggled with a back problem that kept him out of the lineup for 29 of the Raptors' 67 games. But the Raptors needed him Sunday to match up with Pistons all-star Jalen Duren, the 6-foot-10, 250-pounder who is one of the strongest and athletic big men in the league, and he delivered. That he was able to manage the demands bodes well for the rest of the season. Jak’s back may be back: “It was a good battle today,” said Poeltl. “So in that sense, I did enjoy it … I felt good today, the body felt really fresh. It’s a long season, and sometimes you wake up, and the body feels a little funky; other days you feel great. It’s difficult to figure out why some days are better than others. But today I’m really good, and I had a lot of energy on the court."
Michael Grange: For just 2nd time in nearly 4 months, Raps win vs top-10 team holding tough in 4thQ for 119-108 win vs Pistons. Brandon Ingram w/ 34, RJ Barrett w/ 27, Jakob Poeltl w/ 21/18, Scottie Barnes with 14/10/8. Cunningham w/ 33. Raps improve to 37-29, Pistons 48-19. Raps alone in 6th. Five-game road swing next.
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Josh Lewenberg: No Poeltl (illness) vs the Rockets tonight. He was probably going to sit out half of the back-to-back anyway. Tomorrow in NOLA is the more winnable game, so makes sense to hold him out in Houston, especially if he’s also under the weather.
Josh Lewenberg: Jakob Poeltl is questionable for tomorrow’s game in Houston with an illness. Trayce Jackson-Davis is out with a dislocated finger. CMB remains out, as well (and expect him to miss Wednesday’s game in NOLA).
Josh Lewenberg: The Raptors will rest Jakob Poeltl vs OKC tomorrow night, the first half of a back-to-back. Makes sense with Wemby and the Spurs coming up on Wednesday. Scottie Barnes isn’t listed on the injury report and is expected back.
