Raptors' Poeltl pulled from starting lineup vs. Heat, checks in moments later

Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl checked in early against the Miami Heat after being pulled from the starting lineup moments before Thursday's contest due to back spasms.

Poeltl was officially listed as doubtful by the team and appeared to be a late scratch, according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg.

Poeltl finished with 16 points, four boards, two assists, two steals, and one block in 27 minutes of action. However, it wasn't enough as the Raptors fell 114-104.

The 7-footer is having a strong campaign as the Raptors' starting center. He's averaging 15.9 points, 11.6 boards, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks across 24 appearances.

Toronto is already without key starters Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. Bruno Fernando played the first two minutes of Thursday's affair and would've been in line for extended minutes if Poeltl was unable to go.