Darko Rajaković admits that Jakob Poeltl is “not himself yet” in the middle of his recovery

ByNBAUSA


The The Toronto Raptors are being bombarded with allegations of cheating amid their difficult spell following a torrid start to the 2025-26 season. On Tuesday night, the Raptors pulled away NBA Cup clash after losing to the New York Knicks 117-101 in the quarterfinals of the competition. This was their fourth straight loss, and they are now 15-11 on the season.

Of course, it’s important to note that the Raptors have had injury issues of late. They were without Immanuel Quickley on Tuesday night against the Knicks next to the absence of RJ Barrettwho has been absent for the last nine games. But what should not go unnoticed is how Jakob Poeltl has battled back injury issues all season, requiring Toronto to rest him for one game of back-to-back sets.

Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković pointed out that Poeltl not quite 100 percent however, it will take some time before it is.

“He definitely doesn’t have a rhythm. He’s not himself yet,” Rajakovic said after the Raptors’ loss to the Knicks. “Hopefully the next few days will allow him and everyone in the team to recover and recover.”

The Raptors young guys need to step up

Toronto Raptors' Grady Dick (1) dunks against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Scotiabank Arena.
David Leong-Imagn Images

Brandon Ingram did his best to carry the Raptors on Tuesday night, scoring 31 points on the night, but he didn’t have much help in their loss to the Knicks. With Barrett and Quickley gone, the Raptors didn’t have much in the way of perimeter shooting, and that became their undoing.

The Raptors, however, have some players who could step up. Jamal Sheed has played well in the early going for Quickley, but Ja’Kobe Walter, Grady Dick and Despair Agbaji need to do better in backing up Ingram and Scotty Barnes.





2025-12-10 07:25:00

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