Raptors’ Murray-Boyles doubtful to play vs. Wizards with thumb sprain


It looks like the Toronto Raptors will be without their star rookie for at least one game.

Collin Murray-Boyles is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Washington Wizards due to a left thumb strain, the team announced Friday.

The rookie big man suffered the injury in Wednesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. Murray-Boyles played 15 minutes and tallied four points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal before taking a seat.

He had been matched up against Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama for most of the contest and helped hold the Frenchman to eight points on two for 10 from the field at the time of his removal from the game.

Murray-Boyles has dealt with a thumb injury for much of the season, causing him to miss a handful of games. He suffered the initial injury on Dec. 15 against the Miami Heat and re-aggravated the issue in late January against the Lakers, missing four games as a result.

The 20-year-old has had a solid rookie year in Toronto, averaging 7.9 points, five rebounds, two assists and 1.8 steals plus blocks per game. He has started 21 games as the Raptors have dealt with the absence of everyday starting centre Jakob Poeltl.

The Columbia, S.C., native was drafted ninth overall by the Raptors last June.