Raptors’ Jontay Porter leaves game vs. Bulls with back spasms

Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter (34) celebrates after scoring a three pointer, during first half NBA basketball action against the Chicago Bulls, in Toronto on Thursday, January 18, 2024. (Christopher Katsarov/CP)

The Toronto Raptors are down another centre.

Raptors two-way centre Jontay Porter was forced to leave Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls with back spasms.

The Raptors said he will not return.

The 24-year-old played just five minutes before exiting early in the second quarter. This is the second time that Porter has been forced out of a game early, as he left last week’s loss against the Clippers early with an eye injury.

The loss of Porter leaves an already undermanned Raptors even more barren, as they are without guard Immanuel Quickley, forward RJ Barrett, and centre Jakob Poeltl. Veteran Thaddeus Young should now get extended minutes as the only traditional active centre on the roster.

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