Toronto Raptors forward Khem Birch (knee) remains out on Saturday versus Indiana. The 30-year-old will miss his sixth straight contest as he works his way back from knee soreness. With Precious Achiuwa (ankle) and Pascal Siakam (adductor) both sidelined as well, Toronto will be shorthanded up front. Considering Fred VanVleet (illness) is questionable, Scottie Barnes may slide over to the point, which could mean extra work for Chris Boucher, who logged 31 minutes on Friday against OKC. There's also a chance Juancho Hernangomez and Otto Porter Jr. will see an uptick in production.
Chris Boucher, Khem Birch Listed As Questionable For Friday
Toronto Raptors forward/center Chris Boucher (hamstring) and center Khem Birch (knee) are listed as questionable for Friday's clash with Brooklyn. Both players missed the team's season opener on Wednesday, as did Otto Porter Jr. (hamstring), who is also ruled out for Friday's action. These are some solid pieces missing for the Raptors, but the team still enjoyed a winning start to the campaign against Cleveland. Boucher is set to lead Toronto's bench mob once he's fully healthy, and he should be able to do enough to provide value for managers in deeper leagues. Porter Jr. could carve out a nice little role for himself as well, while Birch will likely struggle to make a mark this season.
Toronto Raptors center Khem Birch (knee) is doubtful heading into the season-opener against the visiting Cavaliers. The 30-year-old continues to deal with left knee swelling, so his availability beyond Wednesday night is also in jeopardy. With that said, Birch isn't expected to play a pivotal role for the Raptors this season, so his absence versus the Cavaliers likely won't impact many fantasy managers or the workload of his teammates.
Toronto Raptors forward Khem Birch (nose) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls. He has not appeared in a game since January 14 and underwent nose surgery. His return will impact the fantasy value of Chris Boucher, and Precious Achiuwa. It's uncertain how big of a role Birch will have in the rotation right now. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Boucher as this is a wait-and-see type of situation.
Toronto Raptors forward Khem Birch (nose) is not available for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Birch suffered a nose fracture during Friday's contest. His timetable is unknown, but the organization reportedly has taken care of the issue. In the meantime, Chris Boucher should be asked to pick up the slack. He has looked fantastic lately and is a must-have option right now while he's on fire. Fantasy managers should check the waiver wire and see if Boucher is available. He should play a bigger role with Birch likely sidelined multiple games.
Toronto Raptors center Khem Birch (knee) is set to return to the court on Friday against the Clippers after missing over a month of action. The 29-year-old hasn't featured since Nov. 21. Precious Achiuwa is also available again after clearing health and safety protocols, and the duo will give Toronto some much-needed frontcourt help. With that said, Chris Boucher has put in impressive performances lately and it won't easy for Birch and Achiuwa to eat into his minutes. Justin Champagnie (health and safety protocols) is also back in the mix.
Precious Achiuwa, Khem Birch Unavailable For Tuesday’s Game
Toronto Raptors centers Precious Achiuwaand Khem Birchhave been ruled out for Tuesday's contest against Philadelphia. The duo's absence leaves the Raptors thin in the frontcourt vs. Joel Embiid, a daunting proposition when considering the four-time All-Star's 25.5 points-per-game average this season. Whereas Achiuwa remains in the league's COVID-19 health and safety protocols, a return may not be far off for Birch, who entered the day questionable to play for the first time since Nov. 21. Pascal Siakam and Chris Boucher stand to see the vast majority of run at the five, roles they figure to reprise as long as Achiuwa and Birch remain out of the mix.
Toronto Raptors forward/center Khem Birch is questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers. Birch had been sidelined for over a month because of a knee ailment and was nearing a return. However, he then entered the league's COVID-19 health and safety protocols, a designation he shares with many other team members, including Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleetand OG Anunoby. Siakam is also questionable, so if he can play, Birch's stock may fall. However, if he doesn't, Birch could make some noise on the fantasy end, although he may see a minutes cap and cede opportunities to Chris Boucher.
Toronto Raptors forward/center Khem Birch will not play on Sunday versus the Cavaliers. He had been battling a right knee issue and was potentially nearing a return. However, Birch has now entered protocols, so it's unknown how long he will remain out. Pascal Siakam, Precious Achiuwa, and Isaac Bonga are in the same boat, so Chris Boucher will likely get more minutes than usual against Cleveland. As a result, Boucher is worth adding as a streamer in all seasonal formats, and he will also probably be a popular play in DFS contests, assuming the contest doesn't get postponed.
Toronto Raptors center Khem Birch (knee) has been tagged as questionable to play in Saturday's game against Golden State, but he has expressed doubt that he will be healthy enough to play. Birch has not suited up since the Raptors last clashed with the Warriors back on Nov. 21, paving the way for Chris Boucher to see elevated minutes at the center spot. Birch had taken over starting duties prior to getting injured, but Toronto now boasts a glut of at the five with Precious Achiuwa (health and safety protocols) and Pascal Siakam in the mix. Even when healthy, Birch's 6.9 points per game average is not enough to vault him off the waiver wire in the majority of season-long formats.
