Raptors' Ibaka to return after 10-game absence, Lowry still sidelined

After 10 games on the sideline due to a sprained right ankle, Toronto Raptors big man Serge Ibaka is set to return for Sunday's game against the Utah Jazz, according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg.

However, five-time All-Star Kyle Lowry remains out due to a fracture in his left thumb. On Friday, Raptors coach Nick Nurse said he hoped to have both players return by Dec. 1, according to Sportsnet's Eric Smith.

Lowry was upgraded to doubtful on the Raptors' most recent injury report, but Nurse says the point guard still needs another fitness test before returning, according to the Toronto Star's Doug Smith.

The Raptors head coach also revealed Ibaka is likely to reclaim his role as the first big man off the bench, according to Lewenberg.

With the veterans out of action since Nov. 8, the Raptors have continued to excel, posting an 8-2 record over their last 10 outings. Fred VanVleet has stepped up in Lowry's absence, averaging 21.2 points, 7.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.5 steals over Toronto's last 10 games. Forwards Chris Boucher and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson have seen increased minutes as a result of Ibaka's injury, and the two have averaged 9.1 and 10.5 points since Nov. 8, respectively.

Ibaka was averaging 14 points and 6.5 rebounds in 22.9 minutes per game before spraining his ankle last month against the New Orleans Pelicans. Lowry, meanwhile, was averaging 21.8 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 42.6% from deep before being sidelined.