Jakob Poeltl out for Raptors vs. Celtics but RJ Barrett improving

By Canadian Press on December 20, 2025.

TORONTO — Starting centre Jakob Poeltl will miss the Toronto Raptors game against the Boston Celtics.

He was ruled out hours before the evening tipoff with a sore lower back.

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic says that Canadian swingman RJ Barrett is improving, however.

Barrett has been out with a sprained right knee since Nov. 23.

Poeltl is averaging 10.1 points, eight rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

Barrett is averaging 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists so far this season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2025.

The Canadian Press