Toronto Raptors: When it Rains, it Pours

DeMar DeRozan’s injury against the Suns sums up the recent struggles for the Toronto Raptors, but how long will the three-time All-Star be out of the lineup?

Thins were looking so good for the Toronto Raptors, who entered the second half of the regular season with their best ever record through 41 games. With the 76ers, Hornets and Suns next up on the schedule, their situation was only expected to improve.

Instead, the Raptors now find themselves on their first three-game losing streak since November 2015. Sunday’s 115-103 loss to the Phoenix Suns arguably best summed up the recent run of ineptitude.

It’s bad enough the Raptors lost to a team which entered the game with a 6-17 record on the road this season. Kyle Lowry‘s ejection only served to intensify the frustrations.

However, perhaps worst of all, was the sight of DeMar DeRozan being forced to leave the action, after spraining his ankle. He initially suffered the injury halfway through the fourth quarter, after landing on Jonas Valanciunas‘ foot.

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Despite being in visible discomfort, DeRozan continued to play through the pain. However, he finally relented and came out with 1:30 remaining in the game.

There will be some understandable concern, as the Raptors wait to find out the full severity of the three-time All-Stars’ injury. He was seen limping around afterwards and admitted he was a little sore, although he did his best to remain positive.

Speaking to the Toronto Sun‘s Ryan Wolstat and the rest of the media, DeRozan said: “I hope (it will go away quickly). I try to be a hopeful guy all my life so we’ll see.”

A big sign of the extent of the 27-year old’s injury, will come from how it reacted overnight. There is nothing to indicate it will be particularly serious, but there will be some nervous Raptors’ fans out there, awaiting an official update from the team.

While DeRozan remains positive, his mindset extends to the recent run of bad form by the Raptors. Speaking to the Toronto Star‘s Doug Smith, he said: “(Its) gotta motivate you.

“We just need a game where we can see us doing it and get back to having fun doing it. That’s when we’re at our best, when the bench gets us going on both ends, (with) everybody in tune . . . just get back to having fun.”

The former ninth overall draft pick is right of course, but any chance to return to having fun on the court, will be influenced by his availability. A fan base anxiously awaits with bated breath…

Next: Kyle Lowry Firmly Focused on This Season

What’s your take on this three-game losing streak by the Raptors? Do you think it’s just a minor blip, or are you concerned it could turn into something more serious? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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