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Raptors' game at Chicago postponed; Toronto unable to field NBA minimum 8 players

The NBA has postponed Toronto's game at Chicago on Wednesday night because the Raptors do not have the required eight players available.
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The NBA has postponed Toronto's game at Chicago on Wednesday night because the Raptors do not have the required eight players available.

A Raptors spokesperson confirmed Wednesday that forward OG Anunoby has become the eighth player on the team to enter the league's COVID-19 protocols. Anunoby had just returned from a left hip pointer  that kept him out of 13 games.

Fred VanVleet, Malachi Flynn, Scottie Barnes and Precious Achiuwa were added to the protocol on Tuesday, joining Gary Trent Jr., Pascal Siakam and Dalano Banton. Players in the league's protocol have not necessarily tested positive for COVID-19. 

Additionally, centre Khem Birch is out with knee swelling, while Justin Champagnie is unavailable with what the team calls a non-COVID-related illness and David Johnson is out with a calf injury.

Despite the depleted lineup, the team travelled to Chicago on Tuesday. The Raptors attempted to make up the numbers by signing several players from the G-League under the NBA's hardship clause.

It's the third game the Raptors have had postponed, along with Monday's home game against Orlando and a home date with the Bulls on Dec. 13. 

Toronto is next scheduled to play the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Dec. 26.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2021.

The Canadian Press