Raptors' James Johnson returns Monday after 3-game absence

The Toronto Raptors' impressive bench unit will get a boost on Monday, as James Johnson is set to return after a three-game absence due to a sprained ankle.

While the team never gave a firm timeline for Johnson's absence, context cues pointed to the combo-forward missing more than just three games. After suffering the injury on Nov. 15, Johnson was on crutches and later in a walking boot, with the sprain said to be severe.

But here he is, barely a week later, ready to return to his role as the team's most versatile reserve defender. In 10 games on the season, Johnson is averaging 7.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, one steal and 1.4 blocks, filling the stat sheet and proving worthy of the two-year, $5-million contract the team signed him to this offseason.

Despite the strength of the Raptors' starting five, the team has lost little when the bench is called upon thanks in large part to Johnson's efforts. Overall, the team has actually been 0.5 points per-100 possessions better with Johnson on the floor than off of it, with those gains coming primarily at the defensive end.