Raptors' Cory Joseph: Set for increased role with Lowry injured

Joseph will likely be set for a substantially increased role for the remainder of the regular season after the Raptors announced Monday that Kyle Lowry will undergo surgery on his wrist.

Analysis:

In a release from the team's official media relations Twitter account, the Raptors announced Lowry will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies from his wrist. The hope is that Lowry will be able to return in time for the postseason, but a more definitive timeline won't be available until after the procedure is completed. While the Raptors could look to add a point guard -- perhaps a D-Leaguer or a player who's been waived -- to the roster in Lowry's absence, the more likely scenario is the team turning to Joseph as the interim starter, with Fred VanVleet and Delon Wright serving as backups. On the season, Joseph is averaging 23.0 minutes per game, which he's translated to averages of 8.7 points, 2.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds. Joseph has started the last two games in Lowry's place, putting up 11 points and six assists Friday against Boston, and 14 points and six assists Sunday versus Portland. In his only other start this season, back on Jan. 17 in Brooklyn, Joseph had 33 points, four assists and four rebounds.