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Toronto Raptors: Fred VanVleet injury nothing to panic about

By Paul Taylor

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 11: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket past Tyrone Wallace #9 of the LA Clippers during a 123-99 Raptors win at Staples Center on December 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 11: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket past Tyrone Wallace #9 of the LA Clippers during a 123-99 Raptors win at Staples Center on December 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Fred VanVleet will miss at least three weeks with a thumb injury, but there is arguably little reason for Toronto Raptors fans to worry about his absence.

The Toronto Raptors fan base received some unwelcome news on Monday, when it was confirmed that Fred VanVleet suffered a partial ligament injury in his left thumb. The injury happened during the second quarter of Saturday’s game in New York, against the Knicks.

As per an official press release from the team, VanVleet will wear a splint for approximately three weeks, at which time his condition will be updated. In theory, this is a tough break for the Raptors.

The 24-year-old is the backup point guard to Kyle Lowry, who has been battling injury issues himself all season. Delon Wright was traded away last week as part of the Marc Gasol trade, and Lorenzo Brown was waived in early January.

However, there are a number of reason why this will not be as big an issue as it might first appear. The first reason, is the report that Jeremy Lin is set to join the Raptors, after being waived by the Atlanta Hawks.

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When Lin does officially sign for the Raptors, he will slot in as Lowry’s backup during VanVleet’s absence. You can also expect Norman Powell and Jordan Lloyd to see some time on the floor at the point guard position, as and when required.

The second reason not to worry, is the timing of VanVleet’s injury in respect of the NBA schedule. With the All-Star break looming — under the assumption he is absent for just the three weeks — he will only miss seven games.

The final reason relates to the Raptors’ schedule specifically, and again relates to the timing. VanVleet’s injury coincides with Toronto’s longest home stand of the 2018-19 campaign.

Starting with the Brookly Nets on Monday night, the Raptors will play six consecutive games at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto once again has one of the top records at home, standing at 22-5 heading into their contest against the Nets.

None of this should be mistaken for claiming VanVleet’s absence is irrelevant. He is on course for career highs this season for points, assists and rebounds per game, while starting 22 of the 51 games he has played in.

However, the injury comes at a time of the season where it won’t do major damage to the Raptors. VanVleet will be back in plenty of time, when the team is gearing up for their most important playoff run in franchise history.

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Do you have any concern about VanVleet’s injury? Or do you expect the Toronto Raptors to stay in touch at the top of the Eastern Conference? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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