Toronto Raptors Center Jonas Valančiūnas Still Out With Sprained Left Ankle, Hopes to Play in Road Trip
Jonas Valančiūnas was unable to suit up for the Toronto Raptors when they took on the San Antonio Spurs on Monday due to a sprained left ankle, but the Lithuanian center's hoping to return to the court at some point during the team's current road trip.
"(We're) doing everything with the trainers to get it fixed right away, quick as we can, so they're doing a great job. Everything is how is the ankle going to react," Valančiūnas said on Monday, via the Toronto Star.
Valančiūnas suffered the ankle injury in the second quarter of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers last Saturday when he landed awkwardly on forward Dario Šarić's foot after he grabbed a rebound.
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"I'm disappointed individually for Jonas because he was going at a great clip," Raptors head coach Dwane Casey said, according to the Toronto Star.
"He's got to stay in great condition — and he is right now — keep the mindset, stay hungry, which I know he will. But, from a team standpoint, it gives other guys opportunities and gives us opportunities to look at other things," he continued.
The sixth-year pro was clearly disappointed he had to miss some games due to the injury early on this season, but he had to admit that he was fortunate it was nothing serious. Valančiūnas is averaging 14 points and 9.5 rebounds in 23 minutes per game this season.
Meanwhile, Jakob Poeltl and Lucas Nogueira will have to step up while Valančiūnas is recuperating.
Nogueira started against the Spurs on Monday, but he was outplayed by Poeltl. The Brazilian center's status for Wednesday's game against the Golden State Warriors is currently up in the air because he's also dealing with an ankle injury. Poeltl should get the start if he misses the game.
Poeltl has played great as Valančiūnas primary backup this season. He is averaging 8.7 points and 7.3 rebounds in 20 minutes per game.
