Raptors’ OG Anunoby expected to return Saturday vs. Mavericks

OG-Anunoby

Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby, right, reacts after getting hit in the eye by Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard. (Chris Carlson/AP)

Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby was “close” to returning Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, according to Sportsnet’s Eric Smith, and is expected to return to action on Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks.

Anunoby was diagnosed with a right-eye contusion after former teammate Kawhi Leonard poked him in the eye while reaching for the ball during the Raptors’ loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.

Following the incident, Anunoby went to the locker room and didn’t return. After the game, head coach Nick Nurse said the blow knocked out both of Anunoby’s contacts and left him bleeding.

The 22-year-old consulted with a specialist in Los Angeles before the Raptors’ trip to Portland, according to the team.

Anunoby is averaging 13 points, 1.4 blocks, 1.3 steals and 6.2 rebounds across nine games this season, his third campaign in the NBA.

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