Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl will be re-evaluated in a week after missing his sixth game in seven games due to ongoing lower back problems, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto. The team confirmed that Poeltl is completing a program of intensive rehabilitation and strengthening to manage the injury.
Poeltl’s absence didn’t stop Toronto from pulling off a 107-106 comeback win over the Orlando Magic at Scotiabank Arena on Monday. The Raptors overcame a 21-point deficit in the second quarter, less than 24 hours after an overtime win against Golden State, to improve their record to 20-14.
Jamal Shead led Toronto with 19 points, while Brandon Ingram contributed 17 points and Gradey Dick added 15 off the bench. Scottie Barnes posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the fourth-quarter rally.
Toronto trailed by 10 entering the final period, but used a decisive 13–0 run to take a 105–102 lead with 3:26 remaining. The Raptors relied on defensive stops and strong rebounding down the stretch, shooting just 24 percent from three-point range.
Orlando’s Anthony Black scored 27 points, including 16 in the third quarter, while Paolo Banchero recorded 23 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth career triple-double. Banchero missed a potential game-winning step-back three at the buzzer.
Other Raptors contributors included Sandro Mamukelashvili with 13 points, and Ochai Agbaji and Ja’Kobe Walter added 10 each. Center Mo Bamba made his Raptors debut and recorded one block in limited minutes without scoring.
RJ Barrett was rested on the second night of a back-to-back, and Poeltl’s continued absence leaves Toronto heavily reliant on its frontcourt rotation. The Raptors will host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday as Orlando continues its road trip at Indiana.
Poeltl is averaging 9.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 21 games this season, providing a key presence for Toronto. The team’s medical staff will closely monitor his progress over the next week before determining his future availability.
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