Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl will be re-evaluated in a week after missing his sixth game in seven contests due to ongoing lower back issues, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto. The team confirmed Poeltl is completing a program of intensive rehabilitation and strengthening to manage the injury.
Poeltl’s absence did not stop Toronto from securing a 107-106 comeback win over the Orlando Magic on Monday at Scotiabank Arena. The Raptors overcame a 21-point second-quarter deficit less than 24 hours after an overtime victory against Golden State, improving their record to 20-14.
Jamal Shead led Toronto with 19 points, while Brandon Ingram contributed 17 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.
Additional Raptors contributors included Sandro Mamukelashvili with 13 points, and Ochai Agbaji and Ja’Kobe Walter each added 10. Center Mo Bamba made his Raptors debut, recording 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 relying heavily on its frontcourt rotation. The Raptors will host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, while Orlando continues its road trip at Indiana.
Poeltl is averaging 9.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 21 games this season, providing a key inside presence for Toronto. The team’s medical staff will monitor his progress closely during the upcoming week before determining his availability moving forward.
