Already struggling with a plethora of injuries to their frontcourt, the Toronto Raptors are hoping concerns about Collin Murray-Boyles aren’t serious.
The Raptors’ forward exited Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers with a left thumb injury and will not return, the team announced at the end of the third quarter.
Post-game X-rays came back negative for Murray-Boyles, who was diagnosed with a thumb contusion, per Sportsnet’s Michael Grange.
The injury occurred midway through the third. Lakers guard Luka Doncic hit Murray-Boyles’ left thumb while going for a steal and the Raptors rookie immediately looked to be in some discomfort.
He exited the game with 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three blocks in 24 minutes.
Murray-Boyles started Sunday’s game with a wrap around his left thumb, which he’s had since suffering an initial issue on Dec. 15 against the Miami Heat.
The 20-year-old has established himself as a key contributor with plenty of bodies out for Toronto. He entered Sunday’s action averaging 7.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.5 steals + blocks in 21.4 minutes a game.
He’s taken his game to another level in the new year with everyday centre Jakob Poeltl out with injury, averaging 10.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals + blocks in 31.5 minutes over the last eight games — all of which he’s started.