Report: Chris Boucher has a sprained MCL, return date unknown

Toronto Raptors PF/C Chris Boucher has a sprained MCL in his left knee and is out indefinitely, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Boucher doesn’t have a timetable for a return and it will depend on how his rehab goes. With very little time left in the 2020-21 season, there’s a chance we don’t see Boucher play again until next season.

The Raptors could sneak into the play-in tournament, however. If that’s the case, we’ll see if Boucher can return in what has been a breakout season. The undrafted free agent took a big step forward in his third season in Toronto, averaging 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in 59 games. Boucher has some pretty eye-popping advanced stats. His Win Shares is 6.2 and his per 100 possession numbers would make him an All-Star most likely. Boucher is averaging 27.3 points and 13.5 rebounds on 51.9 percent shooting from the floor per 100.

Boucher was in the running for both Most Improved Player and 6th Man of the Year this season. Neither award appears to be Boucher’s at this point, but he’s got plenty of potential on the Raptors. It’s a shame Boucher is out considering Toronto has won four games in a row and will have a shot to sneak into the playoffs. Without Boucher, that will be difficult. The Raptors will likely need to lean on Pascal Siakam more at center with OG Anunoby playing power forward.

Khem Birch is the only true center on the roster, but doesn’t offer much upside. Still, he’s the only option you’d have on the Raptors to scoop up in the fantasy basketball playoffs really. Birch has put up good numbers since coming over from the Orlando Magic. He should play around 25-30 minutes and has at least 6 rebounds in each game he’s played for the Raptors.