The Toronto Raptors have been off to a solid start this season and the team is leading the Atlantic division despite dealing with some injuries. Terrence Ross was able to return after suffering a thumb injury, while Jonas Valanciunas remains out while dealing with a hand issue.
The Raptors are leading the Atlantic with an 11-7 record, but they just had their four-game winning streak snapped with a loss to the Phoenix Suns. The team lost despite DeMar DeRozan scoring 29 points and now the team will face off against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday before hosting the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. The Raptors came into the game hot after wins over the Cavs and Wizards, but the team could not get things done in the 107-102 loss to Phoenix.
Ross has returned for the team after dealing with a thumb injury and he has been working to get his offensive game back after being out. Ross has struggled over the past few games and has not played more than 20 minutes in any contest since coming back from the injury. This season Ross is averaging just 5.2 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. Ross signed a three year extension with the team worth $33 million earlier in the month and the team is hoping he improves after coming back from the injury.
Jonas Valanciunas is dealing with a hand injury and he will be out for around six weeks, according to Yahoo Sports. Valanciunas is looking to rehab the injury over having surgery and that means he could be out until January. Valanciunas has averaged 12 points and 9.3 rebounds in 14 games played this season and the Raptors are hoping to have the big man back soon. Patrick Patterson, Luis Scola and Bismack Biyombo likely will see extended minutes with Valanciunas out.
The Raptors may have a tough decision to make next summer on DeMar DeRozan, as the guard/forward has a player option and there is a good chance he will opt for free agency. DeRozan has been with the Raptors for his entire career and he is averaging 21 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season, but he could be too expensive for the Raptors to sign if he hits the market.
DeRozan was asked earlier in the year about free agency and according to the National Post, he said: ""I hate that, honestly. I never speak about it." Either way, DeRozan will be the subject of free agent talk for the Raptors, as he has the chance to hit the market this summer if he wants.
