In order for O.G. Anunoby to recover fast, the Toronto Raptors will be close to him. The team said that the 26-year-old forward’s availability to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night is officially rated as questionable due to muscle cramping. Due to cramps, he had to leave the game on Friday night late in the fourth quarter and was unable to return.
It was clear Anunoby was in significant pain as he was hobbling up and down the court before checking out Friday. He was quickly taken to the locker room to be examined by the team’s medical personnel. Anunoby had also been dealing with cramps in Toronto’s first game of the year but he was able to play through the pain against Minnesota.
Toronto is going to need Anunoby on Saturday against a tough 76ers team. Should he be unable to go, the Raptors are likely to start either Gary Trent Jr. or Precious Achiuwa, making what’s been a lackluster bench for the Raptors so far a little thinner.
Christian Koloko is the only other absentee for Toronto as he continues to deal with ongoing respiratory issues. Expect the Raptors to use a bigger rotation on Saturday as it’ll be the second night of a back-to-back, having gone to overtime against the Chicago Bulls on Friday. Chris Boucher is expected to see playing time despite not being part of Toronto’s rotation in the season opener.
Due to his absence from the squad, James Harden is still out for the 76ers. He is the only important player Philadelphia will be without.
