The Toronto Raptors will have to wait a little longer the for the return of their starting centre.
However, Poeltl, who has been listed as questionable, is “very close” to a return after a near 26-game absence with a back injury.
After spraining his ankle in practice, guard Immanuel Quickley is a game-time decision for the weekend matinee (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 3 p.m. ET / noon PT).
Poeltl, 30, has been out since Dec. 21 after re-aggravating a back injury that has plagued him all season. He played only seven minutes in that game against Brooklyn before exiting.
In 21 games, he is averaging 9.7 points and 7.7 rebounds and 0.5 blocks, the lowest mark since his rookie season. He has played only 25.3 minutes per contest.
Poeltl signed a four-year, $84-million contract extension on July 1 that kicks in next season.
Quickley, meanwhile, has been a key contributor for the Raptors, averaging 17.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.3 steals in 50 games.
The 26-year-old has had a solid bill of health this season, missing only three games with injury.
Trade-deadline addition Trayce Jackson-Davis will be available for his first game with the club.
Watch the game on Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet+ at 3 p.m. ET / noon P.T.
