A.J.

Lawson

Mamukelashvili was held out of Wednesday’s win over the Pacers, leading the Raptors to go small whenever Collin Murray-Boyles wasn’t on the floor. Mamu’s likely return may result in fewer minutes for A.J. Lawson, who logged 17 on Wednesday.

This will be a second straight absence for Walter, who had been starting prior to this hip injury. However, with Brandon Ingram (thumb) back, Walter would only be playing a small role off the bench if he was available. A.J. Lawson should take on a few extra minutes.

No word has been given on why Agbaji will be sidelined. However, the Raptors will have AJ Lawson back on Thursday, and he can step into a few more minutes.

Two days after being waived by the Raptors, Lawson has returned to the franchise on a two-way deal. In three NBA seasons, the 6-foot-6 wing has appeared in 83 games, including 26 for the Raptors last season. He’ll likely see most of his playing time with the Raptors’ G League affiliate, which would not impact fantasy basketball.

While Lawson is under contract for the 2025-26 season, it does not become fully guaranteed until January 10. Performances like the one he produced on Sunday may go a long way toward ensuring Lawson hits that guarantee date. He didn’t miss a shot from the field against the Magic and helped spark a defense that featured six players with at least two steals. Given Toronto’s wing depth, Lawson’s chances of achieving fantasy relevance next season are slim. However, there may be streaming opportunities when considering the injury history of some players ahead of him in the pecking order, including Brandon Ingram.

Temple played just two minutes before suffering a knee sprain that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season finale. Toronto will only have seven available players to close out this game. AJ Lawson should see a boost in minutes with Temple unavailable. Temple ends his age-38 season as merely a veteran presence reserve and has started just twice in three seasons. He’ll be a free agent this offseason and could struggle to continue his career.

Lawson, who signed a contract with the Raptors earlier in the day on Friday that will keep him with Toronto through the end of the 2025-26 season, played well in his first game since signing the new deal. He recorded his second career double-double, with the first coming a little over a month before this one. Lawson should once again play a significant role in the season finale in San Antonio on Sunday, but he isn’t a player that will carry much value over to next season.

Rhoden scored 23 points off the bench on Wednesday but won’t be available to build on that performance against Dallas. With RJ Barrett and Ja’Kobe Walter also sidelined, Jamison Battle and AJ Lawson should be in line for extended minutes.

Lawson has been a key part of the Raptors’ rotation as of late. While it isn’t likely that he’ll be an impact player when the team is healthy, he’s scored at least 13 points in four of his previous five outings.

Barrett and Walter will not be available on Friday. The latter will miss a second-straight game due to a hip injury. AJ Lawson and Jamison Battle will play more minutes, which would also be the case for Jared Rhoden (shoulder) if he’s allowed to suit up. Rhoden is questionable for Friday night.