The absence of Jakob Poeltl has frequently pushed the Raptors into undersized lineups, a situation that has exposed some familiar problems.
With Poeltl sidelined by a lingering back issue, Toronto has leaned on forwards like Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili to cover minutes at center, an adjustment that has come at a cost on the glass, as noted by Eric Koreen of The Athletic.
Those rebounding issues were clear in recent losses. Without Poeltl, the Raptors were overwhelmed by Boston last week, losing the rebounding battle by a wide margin.
Even when Poeltl briefly returned Sunday, logging just seven minutes, Toronto still struggled to control the boards as Brooklyn pulled away with a clear edge inside.
Poeltl’s back trouble has lingered since the early part of the season, complicating Toronto’s ability to rely on him consistently.
The timing is far from ideal, coming shortly after he signed a three-year extension during the offseason, cementing his role as a key piece of the team’s interior presence.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic described the situation as difficult to predict from day to day, explaining that Poeltl can feel strong during games only to wake up the next morning unsure how his body will respond.
The same uncertainty applies to practices, making careful planning essential. Rajakovic emphasized that the team’s focus remains long-term.
Toronto is managing Poeltl’s condition by balancing strength-building, workload and his ability to play through a manageable level of discomfort.
While the issue has been inconvenient in the middle of the season, the coaching staff is not worried about lasting damage, noting that extended rest in an offseason setting would likely resolve the problem more quickly.
Raptors Notes: Poeltl, Frontcourt Depth, Barrett, Davis, Shooting https://t.co/DPPBSsuTCx pic.twitter.com/uNCT7O9I1l
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 24, 2025
