The Toronto Raptors are getting yet another piece back ahead of a crucial game against a conference rival.
Rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles is set to return to the Raptors’ lineup Wednesday against the New York Knicks (Sportsnet ONE, 7:30 p.m ET / 4:30 p.m. PT), head coach Darko Rajakovic told reporters before tip-off.
Murray-Boyles has missed the Raptors’ last four games — all wins — with a thumb injury he’s been nursing for some time. He was listed as questionable after going through the team’s practice on Tuesday.
He has been a steady contributor for the 29-19 Raptors, with averages of 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, two assists and 0.9 steals on 53.6/34.9/64.2 per cent shooting splits through 37 games.
He has started 13 games for the Raptors this season in the absence of starting centre Jakob Poeltl, and has boosted his averages to 9.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game over that span.
The ninth-overall pick last year was named on Monday to the NBA’s Rising Stars game for all-star weekend in February.
Additionally, RJ Barrett will remain in the Raptors’ lineup but will be on a minutes restriction as he continues his ramp-up from a seven-game absence due to a left ankle sprain, Rajakovic said.
The Raptors have excelled with the 25-year-old wing in the lineup, cruising to an 18-7 record.
He has averaged 19.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 49.4 per cent from the field and 34.8 per cent from deep in 25 games, but has missed chunks of the year due to injury.
