Title: Poeltl returns but Raptors bested by shorthanded Pistons
Date: February 11, 2026
Original Source: Sportsnet
Synopsis: In my latest at Sportsnet, I wrote about another bad loss to a good team for the Raptors, one that at least offered the return of Jakob Poeltl.
TORONTO – It was clear before tipoff that the story of Wednesday’s game would, some way or another, come from the centre position.
The return of Jakob Poeltl, giving the Raptors their planned starting five for the first time since Nov. 21. The suspensions of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, destabilizing one of the best frontcourt rotations in the NBA this year. A thumb-related absence for Collin-Murray Boyles, the second game as a Raptor for Trayce Jackson-Davis, or hell, even a rare appearance from Pistons G League standout Tolu Smith.
No shortage of angles. No shortage of wrong answers. Early in Wednesday’s 113-95 loss for the Raptors, it was all about the fill-in Pistons starting five, for years the crown prince of League Pass Twitter: B-Ball Paul.
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 