Gary Trent Jr. appears to be trending in the right direction to make his return Friday night for the Toronto Raptors.
The 24-year-old forward took part in a full practice Thursday and has been listed as probable to play against the Boston Celtics in Toronto’s first in-season tournament game. He had missed three straight games with right foot plantar fasciitis. As for OG Anunoby, the outlook doesn’t look quite as good.
The Raptors forward did get stitches on his right index finger after an accident doing household chores. He was only seen working out with his left hand during Thursday’s practice and is listed as doubtful to play.
If there’s any positive for Anunoby, it’s the work he’s getting to improve his left hand. He’s been shooting and dribbling exclusively with his right hand and Toronto is hopeful that might help with his development.
“Right-handed people when they work on their left hand, improving their left hand, … the right hand is improving at the same time,” said Raptors coach Darko Rajaković referring to a study he read. “For left-handed people, when they start working on their right hand, their left hand loses some skill of the skill, while the right hand is developing. That’s why you’re going to see left-handed shooters, they’re actually much better dribbling the ball with their right hand.” Dennis Schröder is not on the injury report after being listed as questionable for Toronto’s game Wednesday night. He took part in practice Thursday and will be good to go.
Christian Koloko remains out with respiratory issues and there is no timeline for his return.
