NBA Notes: Raptors, Jakob Poeltl, Celtics, Baylor Scheierman, Sixers

Raptors

Toronto was short on size Wednesday and it showed. The Raptors were outrebounded 53-22 in a loss to the Rockets, with center Jakob Poeltl sidelined by back tightness.

Poeltl, who had played in each of the team’s first four games, has been slowed by the injury all early season, averaging just 6.5 points and struggling to move the way he normally does.

“It’s definitely affected him quite a bit,” coach Darko Rajakovic said, via TSN’s Josh Lewenberg. “He was not himself in those games. He was not moving the way we know he can move.”

Rajakovic added that the Raptors will take it slow, hoping rest brings relief. Even when Poeltl returns, though, the lack of frontcourt depth is glaring — something that became even more obvious as 6-foot-8 rookie Collin Murray-Boyles started at center against the Rockets.

“They just manhandled us inside the paint,” Rajakovic said. “We did not have an answer for the rebounding.”

Celtics

Boston is picking up its third-year option on Baylor Scheierman, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. The move locks in the 2026-27 salary of $2.74 million for the 25-year-old guard.

Scheierman, the final pick of the 2024 first round, hasn’t carved out a big role yet, but remains part of Boston’s long-term plan.

The Celtics have won two straight after opening with three consecutive losses, and Jaylen Brown says patience is key as the roster reshapes.

“We lost four All-Stars last season,” Brown said, via Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. “Replacing those guys doesn’t happen overnight. It doesn’t happen in a week either.”

76ers

Philadelphia is also locking in part of its future, picking up the 2026-27 option on Jared McCain’s rookie deal, Scotto reports.

McCain was a breakout performer early last season before tearing his meniscus, averaging 15.3 points on .460/.383/.875 shooting before the injury. He’s still recovering from a recent thumb procedure but is expected back soon.

Once he returns, McCain will rejoin a lineup that includes Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and eventually Paul George, giving the 4-0 Sixers even more offensive firepower.