Kyle Lowry targeting Dec. 1 for return to Raptors lineup

The Toronto Raptors may be getting reinforcements in the starting lineup soon. Via beat reporter Josh Lewenberg, coach Nick Nurse said Lowry is “about a week away” from being ready to return, which is great news for the Raps and Lowry fantasy basketball owners.

Lowry has been out with a fractured thumb since Nov. 8 and was averaging 21.8 points and 6.5 assists per game before going down. The Raptors enter Friday 10-4, so they’ve been fine without Lowry, but his return will only make the team deeper and more of a threat. The biggest way Lowry would impact Toronto is his shooting; the point guard was hitting 42.6% of his 3-pointers before the injury. Since it’s his left thumb, the injury shouldn’t hinder Lowry’s shooting much when he comes back.

Fantasy Basketball Analysis: Toronto Raptors guards

Right now, Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell have been starting in the backcourt and getting most of the minutes. With Lowry back, FVV would likely go back to a bench role, but would still play a good chunk of games. He’s normally one of the better sixth men in the NBA, so he’d still retain some fantasy value, but would obviously take a decent hit. Powell should still see big minutes as a starter, but less touches with Lowry back.