Raptors guard Kyle Lowry to sit out against Sacramento for “personal reasons”

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry will sit out Friday night against the Sacramento Kings, with the team citing “personal reasons” on the pre-game injury report.

The six-time all-star has started all seven games this season for the Raptors, including Wednesday’s 123-115 loss against the Phoenix Suns.

Lowry was hit in the face during the fourth quarter against the Suns while trying to defend Deandre Ayton. He stayed down for a minute but returned to the game and finished with 24 points. 

Coach Nick Nurse said in his pre-game media availability that he found out after Wednesday’s game that Lowry would be unavailable for Friday, but didn’t elaborate any further. 

Nurse added that Norman Powell would start in place of Lowry, and that rookie guard Malachi Flynn would get a “longer look.”

The 34-year-old veteran is third on the team in scoring and first in assists this season, averaging 19.4 points and 7.4 assists per game this in a team-high 37 minutes of floor time.

The Raptors (1-6) enter Friday’s game on a three-game losing streak.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published January 8, 2021.

The Canadian Press