The Toronto Raptors don’t play another game until Saturday, when the top team in the Eastern Conference take on the Boston Celtics.
Whether Raptors star DeMar DeRozan will be there to play that day is still up in the air.
According to multiple reports, DeRozan was excused from Raptors practice on Thursday to fly to his hometown of Los Angeles to be with his ailing father. DeRozan has made the trip several times this year to be with his dad, Frank, as he battles with kidney and other health issues.
Frank’s issues have been severe enough that DeMar has made the trip back to L.A. even between game nights. While we’re not sure what is happening with DeRozan’s father at the moment, we’re obviously wishing him and his family well as he tends to them.
Meanwhile, if DeRozan doesn’t play against the Celtics it could have major implications for the Eastern Conference playoff seedings. Boston trails the Raptors by just three games in the standings after an incredible game-winning shot by Jaylen Brown on Tuesday.
Hopefully things are OK with the DeRozan family and DeMar is just taking the opportunity between games to visit his family.