Toronto Raptors Star Reportedly Misses Practice On Friday

According to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, Fred VanVleet was excused from Toronto Raptors practice on Friday.

On Thursday evening, the Toronto Raptors hosted the New Orleans Pelicans in Canada.   

However, their star point guard Fred VanVleet was a late scratch due to personal reasons. 

According to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, the 2022 NBA All-Star also missed practice (he was excused) on Friday. 

Via Smith: "Fred VanVleet excused from Raptors practice today for personal reasons 

Whether he plays Saturday in Detroit will be determined Saturday"

Fred VanVleet excused from Raptors practice today for personal reasons

Whether he plays Saturday in Detroit will be determined Saturday

— Doug Smith: Raptors (@SmithRaps) February 24, 2023

The Raptors ended up beating the Pelicans 115-110 to win their third game in a row. 

They have had a tough season but are starting to figure things out. 

Over the last ten games, the Raptors have gone 7-3, and they are a very solid 19-13 in the 32 games they have hosted at home in Canada. 

Last season, they were the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, but right now, they are tied with the Washington Wizards for the ninth seed. 

Currently, the Raptors are 4.0 games back of the New York Knicks for the sixth seed (the final guaranteed playoff spot). 

VanVleet is in his seventh season in the NBA (all with the Raptors) and is averaging 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists per contest in 50 games. 

He has averaged at least 17.6 points per contest in each of the last three seasons and helped the Raptors win the 2019 NBA Championship over Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. 

The Raptors will play their next game on Sunday afternoon against the Detroit Pistons in Michigan. 

More on the Toronto Raptors can be read here