TORONTO — Precious Achiyuwa has resumed some light practice, with Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse erasing any hopes that the athletic forward will be back playing anytime soon.
“Probably getting a little closer every day. , , (But) you’re definitely looking at the new year,” Nurse said after Thursday’s practice. I would not even put them in the range of 60 to 70 per cent. He is not in close contact.
“It’s good that he’s out there, he’s making progress, he’s trying to do some stuff, it’s getting a little better every day, he’s busy, trying to get some practice here and there when We’re teaching and things like that, so he’s trying to stay connected. But I would say we’ve had a good two weeks now.”
Related Video
The 23-year-old averaged 8.8 points and 7.0 rebounds before tearing ligaments in his right ankle on Nov. 9. He has missed 16 games since then. In a 124-123 loss to Sacramento on Wednesday, Achiuva leapt off the bench in celebration of a big shot, jumping up and down on one foot on his healthy left leg.
Stuck in an early season slump, the Raptors — 13-15 and 10th in the Eastern Conference — could certainly use their health. They have lost several players to injuries and illness for parts of this season, including Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet.
OG Anunoby is currently sidelined with a hip injury, expected to be out for at least a week.
Otto Porter Jr. missed 13 games due to a dislocated toe. He saw a specialist who ruled out surgery, but his return certainly doesn’t seem imminent.
The Raptors’ loss against the Kings was their third in a row, and they faced a tough phase of the game. Eleven of his next 12 opponents have records above . 500.
Toronto hosts the Brooklyn Nets on Friday and the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 15, 2022.
© 2022 The Canadian Press