Raptors' Lowry suffers back spasms in loss to Pistons

The Toronto Raptors came up short as All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry watched the second half from the sidelines.

Lowry left Tuesday's loss to the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter with back spasms and didn't return. He got the start, scoring five points with three assists and two rebounds in 11 minutes before exiting the contest. 

"I'm (going to) take my time. I'm (going to) make sure I'm completely and fully healthy before I even step back on the floor," Lowry told reporters after the game.

Lowry had missed the team's previous two games with a back contusion that he sustained during Wednesday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The 28-year-old is averaging a career-high 18.1 points, while leading the team is assists (6.9), steals (1.6) and 3-pointers made (1.9) per game.

With the loss, Toronto failed to clinch a second consecutive playoff berth. The Raptors will look to punch their ticket into the postseason Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls.