Three Raptors Players Set to Make Their Return Thursday

The Toronto Raptors play their first game back from the All-Star break Thursday night against the Pelicans. With 23 games remaining, they need to make a strong push if they want to avoid the play-in. Keeping that in mind, three key Raptors players are set to make their return tomorrow night.

According to Josh Lewenberg, Nick Nurse said that O.G Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr. and Thaddeus Young should be ready for tomorrow's game. He also added that they looked "good, healthy and ready to go." Out of the three, Anunoby has been out the longest, missing the last nine games and essentially the month before the All-Star break.

Anunoby, Trent and Thad Young all participated in the Raptors’ evening practice today. Per Nurse, they all looked “good, healthy and ready to go.” He expects them all to play Thursday vs New Orleans.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) February 21, 2023

As to how they will fit in the lineup, it will be a tough decision for Nurse. Trent Jr. and Anunoby have been a strong part of a starting lineup at some point during the season. However, with the stellar play of the new acquisition Jakob Poeltl, there might be some changes that need to be made.

Anunoby has averaged 17 points and 5 rebounds on 46% shooting, while being a menace on defense with 2.1 steals a game. As for Trent Jr. he's been averaging 19 points on 44% shooting and has only missed nine games all season for the Raptors. Young has been a strong veteran leader for the team off the bench shooting 56% in 16 minutes per game.

The Raptors are going to need all the players they can get to make a final run and a playoff push. Guard Fred VanVleet says they can close the gap in the East to get into the sixth seed to avoid the play-in. That position is currently held by the Knicks.

Reporter: “Is 6th [place] doable?”

Fred VanVleet: “Absolutely. 4.5 games with 23 left. Absolutely.”

What place do you think the Raptors will finish their season in? pic.twitter.com/pwJy96joeN
— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) February 22, 2023

Toronto has the fifth-hardest remaining schedule in the NBA and play 13 games on the road with three sets of back-to-back games. Nine out of the last 23 games are against teams currently ranked in the top four. The Raptors have a tough task ahead of them in the East, and they'll need all players to be healthy.