Collin Murray-Boyles (finger) remains sidelined

Even as a reserve, there shouldn’t be much doubt about the type of impact CMB can make for the Raptors and for fantasy managers this season. He was incredible in just 16 minutes in this one, and his shooting from beyond the arc was encouraging. He has all the makings of a fantasy superstar and should play a significant role as the primary reserve this season while seeing time at both power forward and center.

Murray-Boyles, who scored all nine of his points in 10 minutes off the bench in the opening half, is an X-factor in Toronto’s short and long-term outlook. He averaged just 8.5 points per game as a rookie last season, but his raw talent as an interior defender gives him the potential to form a formidable defensive trio alongside Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes. The next step in his development will be proving he can handle the responsibilities of a small-ball center, potentially giving Toronto a viable alternative to Jakob Poeltl in the closing minutes of tight games. He’s a borderline top-100 pick in fantasy drafts this fall.

Despite the expectation that he’ll come off the bench, Murray-Boyles has a skill set that can make him valuable in category leagues. He didn’t shoot well on Saturday night, but the second-year forward/center led the Raptors in rebounds. Murray-Boyles didn’t record any defensive stats in his 20 minutes, but that shouldn’t be the norm for him once the games count. Managers in category leagues should benefit if they grab Murray-Boyles with a late-round pick.

Acquired from the Warriors at the February trade deadline, Jackson-Davis was out of the Raptors’ rotation, averaging just 5.0 minutes per game. However, with Sandro Mamukelashvili set to hit unrestricted free agency, the Raptors may have more room for TJD in their rotation next season if Mamu leaves. Still, Collin Murray-Boyles will be the priority within the frontcourt rotation, eliminating most of Jackson-Davis’ fantasy potential.

Flagg, Knueppel, and Edgecombe all received 100 first-place votes, with Harper’s 93 votes not far behind. Cedric Coward’s 29 first-place votes were the least of the first-teamers. Meanwhile, Derik Queen, Maxime Raynaud, Jeremiah Fears, Ace Bailey, and Colin Murray-Boyles were named to the All-Rookie Second team.

Murray-Boyles continues to come off the bench, but the rookie played starters’ minutes in Game 6. He logged 40 minutes on Friday, with the final stat line lacking only a three-pointer. Meanwhile, starting center Jakob Poeltl (2/4/1/2/1) logged 22 minutes as he continues to offer limited value in this matchup. Murray-Boyles should take on a similar workload in Game 7, and it’s easy to see why dynasty managers are so excited about his long-term fantasy potential.

Murray-Boyles provided another big lift for the Raptors off the bench on Sunday. On the heels of a 22-point, eight-rebound effort in Game 3, he once again battled on the glass and showcased his motor, leading to his first double-double of the postseason. The rookie forward has scored in double figures in all four games against the Cavs in this series and has become more productive on the glass each game. He should remain a big part of the rotation moving forward.

Murray-Boyles tallied more points on Thursday than the rest of Toronto’s bench combined. He shot the ball with great efficiency inside the arc, leading to the third-highest scoring mark on the team. The rookie also dominated the offensive glass and showcased his high motor. Given his production in the win, he likely earned a chance to play a big role again in Game 4.

Effective in 20 minutes in Game 1, Murray-Boyles played 26 minutes in Game 2. And the rookie replaced Jakob Poeltl (two points, four rebounds and one assist) in the lineup to begin the third quarter, with the veteran center not playing at all after halftime. While there is a need for Poeltl’s size, he was ineffective in Toronto’s first two games. We should see a lot more of Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili (12/10/2/1 with one three-pointer) in Thursday’s Game 3 as the Raptors look to avoid falling into a 0-3 hole.

Murray-Boyles missed Friday’s loss to the Knicks with a neck strain, but will return against the Nets on Sunday. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jonathan Mogbo could see fewer minutes with Murray-Boyles back.