Jakob Poeltl Listed Probable for Friday, But Can He Stay on the Floor?

The Toronto Raptors might actually have their starting center back on the floor, assuming he does not tweak another body part during warmups. According to @UnderdogNBA, Jakob Poeltl is now listed as probable for Friday's game after dealing with a lingering shoulder injury.

When a starting big man gets the green light, betting markets usually adjust the paint-scoring and rebounding props for both teams. But with Poeltl, the math is a little more complicated than just plugging a seven-footer back into the lineup.

"@UnderdogNBA reported Poeltl is now listed probable Friday."

If we are being honest, Poeltl has not exactly been an ironman or a stat-sheet stuffer when he actually suits up this season. Through five games, he is logging just 20.2 minutes a night and somehow racking up 4.0 fouls per game.

Picking up four fouls in twenty minutes is elite efficiency if you are a hockey enforcer, but it is objectively terrible for an NBA big man trying to anchor a defense. You cannot protect the rim when you are constantly walking back to the bench to sit next to the assistant coaches.

This shoulder issue is just the latest hurdle for a guy who cannot seem to catch a break. Earlier this year, NBA insider Marc Stein reported Poeltl was dealing with ongoing back issues that had no defined recovery timetable. Adding a bad shoulder to a bad back is the kind of medical profile usually reserved for retired stuntmen, not starting centers.

Keep an eye on the final injury report before tipoff on Friday. If Poeltl actually plays, fantasy managers and bettors will need to see if he can stay on the floor long enough to make an impact, or if he just hands the opposing frontcourt another highly favorable matchup.