Raptors' Khem Birch returning from nose fracture vs. Bulls

February 03, 2022 - 8:38pm

Toronto Raptors' Khem Birch dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game. (Michael Dwyer/AP)

Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse announced that centre Khem Birch is back in the lineup against Chicago after missing time due to a nose fracture he suffered against the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 14.

Khem Birch is back

— Eric Smith (@Eric__Smith) February 3, 2022

Initially Nurse had suspected Birch would be back within a week when asked on Tuesday, and Birch was listed as out on prior injury reports.

Birch is averaging 5.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game this season for Toronto in 23 appearances, including seven starts.

Birch reportedly had to have plastic surgery to repair the straight-on fracture and will wear a mask for six weeks.

Had a chance to chat with Khem Birch before the game. Said he required plastic surgery on his fractured nose. Was hit straight on and his nose crumpled, basically (think old-school boxer). Was cleared by his surgeon last night and will wear a mask for about six weeks.

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) February 4, 2022