Raptors' Yuta Watanabe exits game vs. Bulls with ankle soreness

Toronto Raptors forward Yuta Watanabe celebrates a three-point basket in the first half of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Tony Dejak/AP)

Toronto Raptors forward Yuta Watanabe left Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls with right-ankle soreness and will not return, the team announced.

Watanabe sustained the injury in the first quarter, in a game that saw key players like Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam sit out for injury or rest reasons.

The Raptors were eliminated from contention for the Eastern Conference's play-in tournament on Monday and dropped to 27-42 with Tuesday night's loss to Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Toronto will miss the post-season for the first time since 2013.

When submitting content, please abide by our  submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.
We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn More or change your cookie preferences. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies.
close