Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet is set to miss a minimum of three weeks as he mends a thumb injury, as confirmed by an official team press release.
The Toronto Raptors announced Monday that guard Fred VanVleet is out with a partial ligament injury to his left thumb. VanVleet will wear a splint for approximately three weeks. His condition will then be updated as appropriate.
The injury occurred in the second quarter of Saturday night’s victory at New York. VanVleet is averaging 10.5 points, 4.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 26.8 minutes in 51 games (22 starts) this season. He has scored in double figures 30 times, including a career-high 30 points Feb. 7 at Atlanta.
VanVleet’s injury comes during a tumultuous time for the Raptors roster, including the acquisition of former Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol and signing of former Atlanta Hawks guard Jeremy Lin, who is expected to occupy the minutes as backup point guard behind Kyle Lowry in VanVleet’s absence.
The Toronto Raptors are currently second place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 42-16, trailing the Milwaukee Bucks by one game.
