Raptors’ Fred VanVleet to return vs. Pistons; Kyle Lowry out

Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet (23). (Frank Gunn/CP)

Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet is available for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons, Sportsnet’s Eric Smith reports.

VanVleet has been sidelined since Feb. 9 with a partial ligament injury to his left thumb that required surgery.

The guard was averaging 10.5 points, 4.6 assists and 2.7 rebounds, shooting 40.3 per cent from the floor in 26.8 minutes per game.

VanVleet’s return is good news for the Raptors, who will still be without star guard Kyle Lowry as he deals with a left ankle sprain that kept him on the sidelines for a game against the Los Angeles Lakers last Thursday.

Forward Serge Ibaka will serve the second game of his three-game suspension for throwing a punch at Cleveland Cavaliers forward Marquese Chriss. Ibaka won’t play again until March 20.

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