Lower back tightness has suddenly become an issue for Gary Trent Jr. The Toronto Raptors guard left Monday’s game during halftime due to the injury and was subsequently ruled out by the team. Trent had played for almost 15 minutes against the New Orleans Pelicans, having played nearly 40 minutes the day before against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury had not been present prior to the game. During the second half, Toronto replaced Trent with Thad Young, who played alongside Bruce Brown. Brown had been given the start due to RJ Barrett’s knee injury. The severity of Trent’s injury is unclear, which is somewhat concerning as the trade deadline is only three days away. Trent is a player the Raptors may consider trading, as he is on an expiring contract and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Trent had only scored two points and was 0-for-2 from three-point range before exiting the game. Prior to Monday, he had an impressive 15-game stretch where he shot 50% from three-point range since January. However, Trent’s season has been disappointing, averaging only 12.1 points per game on 43% shooting. His 42.6% three-point stroke has been the Raptors’ saving grace this season. Jontay Porter was also ruled out on Monday due to back spasms, and it is unclear when he will return. Barrett is expected to return on Wednesday night when the Raptors face the Charlotte Hornets.
