Toronto Raptors centre Lucas Nogueira is not with the team for its game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night as he celebrates the birth of his daughter.
Nogueira is expected to rejoin the Raptors ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Sacramento Kings. For the season, the Brazilian is averaging 5.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
The 24-year-old has played well in his first six appearances of the year, providing Toronto’s second unit with an interior presence on the defensive end. He’s also contributed offensively, setting solid screens and finishing off a number of alley-oops.
Rookie Jakob Poeltl figures to absorb the backup centre minutes in Nogueira’s absence.
