Raptors' OG Anunoby Expected to Miss Time with Finger Injury

Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby fractured his right ring finger and is expected to miss some time, the team said Friday. He will miss Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, and it's unclear when he might return. 

It's unclear when the fracture occurred. According to Sportsnet, he was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. 

Raptors head coach Nick Nurse told reporters Friday that Anunoby had been dealing with the injury for some time, according to Sports Illustrated's Aaron Rose. He added that the team is going to get a second opinion on the ailment:

"I think it's been proven he can probably play through it, but I think we need someone to assure him or us of that to make sure that is the case or maybe someone can fix it, heal it fast so that we can get him back and go from there."

Anunoby has appeared in just 42 games this season. He had a stint on the COVID-19 list and also dealt with a hip injury earlier this season. Despite missing time, the 24-year-old is averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 43.6 percent from the floor and 35.1 percent from deep.

The Raptors selected Anunoby 23rd overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. His role has increased each season since then, though he only appeared in 43 games last season and hasn't been as durable over the last couple of years. 

With Anunoby sidelined, Nurse said Khem Birch would start in his place against the Hornets on Friday, while Thad Young could also see more playing time moving forward. Birch has appeared in 31 games this season and is averaging 5.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists. 

Young, meanwhile, has only appeared in two games for the Raptors since coming over in a trade from the San Antonio Spurs. 

The Raptors are seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 32-25 record. They're trying to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign.