Raptors' Pascal Siakam might return next week

Raptors forward Pascal Siakam might return to the team’s lineup next week. Coach Nick Nurse said that he’s “getting closer every day,” according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca.

Nurse relays that Siakam has made significant progress in his return from shoulder surgery, noting that he is ahead of schedule. He will likely start out on a minutes restriction. Siakam was in L.A. earlier Friday to receive clearance from the doctor who performed the surgery, but returned to Toronto and was doing some work on the court before the game Friday night versus the Cavaliers.

Nurse also said next Wednesday could be a good opportunity to see whether Siakam is ready to play, as there are two days in between their matchup with the Nets Sunday and the Celtics Wednesday.

All of the information was relayed by Lewenberg.

Siakam was an All-Star for the first time in 2019-20, but struggled with his shot last season. He’ll be looking to return to form for the surging Raptors, who have won five in a row and are now 6-3.

Here are more Raptors injury notes:

• Forward Yuta Watanabe has been inching closer to a return. Nurse said his movement has improved recently in practices but he’s still “probably a little bit away,” per Lewenberg.
• Rookie Scottie Barnes, who missed a couple of games with a sprained thumb, returned to the starting lineup Friday night against the Cavs.