The Toronto Raptors are dealing with an injury setback as Jakob Poeltl has been ruled out with a left ankle sprain for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers. This marks the first time this season that Poeltl will be absent due to injury.

The setback compounds the team’s frontcourt challenges, especially following the recent trade of OG Anunoby. With Christian Koloko also sidelined due to respiratory issues, Poeltl’s absence leaves the Raptors thin at the center position. Otto Porter Jr. is listed as doubtful with a right knee sprain.

The Raptors may turn to Chris Boucher and two-way player Jontay Porter to fill the void, with Boucher potentially moving into the starting lineup. There is uncertainty about the severity of Poeltl’s injury, and the team faces challenges in matchups against the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers in the coming games.

With the February 8th trade deadline approaching, there are speculations that the Boston Celtics, currently standing at 28-7, might seek additional frontcourt depth despite having one of the league’s best starting lineups.

According to Yahoo Sports reporter Jake Fischer, the Celtics have had their eye on Toronto Raptors center Chris Boucher for a while. The Raptors, sitting at 15-21 and in the 11th place in the East, could also make moves at the deadline, having already traded forward OG Anunoby this season.

Fischer stated, “The Celtics would definitely like to find a couple of other guys. Chris Boucher, for example, is someone I know the Celtics have liked.”

Boston’s president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, has displayed a tendency to appreciate players who perform exceptionally well against his team. In March 2021, while still coaching, Stevens witnessed Boucher scoring 35 points in 30 minutes off the bench during a 132-125 victory for Boston.