Chris Boucher Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

Chris Boucher (knee) out Monday.

Chris Boucher (quad) available to play Wednesday.

Chris Boucher (hamstring) ruled out Saturday.

Chris Boucher (hamstring) ruled out Friday.

Raptors will start Trent, Siakam, Anunoby, Boucher, and Achiuwa on Tuesday. Boucher will slide into the starting lineup with Scottie Barnes officially out.

Boucher is still technically listed as doubtful on the Raptors' injury report, but he disclosed to reporters following morning shootaround that he won't play in Monday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a sore lower back. Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet and Precious Achiuwa remain listed as questionable with their respective ailments, and if Achiuwa is cleared to play the impact of Boucher's absence should be almost minimal as Pascal Siakam has been filling in as a small-ball center whenever Achiuwa and Khem Birch are off the floor, eliminating the need for Boucher's role in the frontcourt rotation.

The Raptors seemingly two best value plays (Trent and Boucher) both aren't starting, making them both incredibly risky plays. Jalen Harris and Flynn will start at guard, and both will be tremendously popular. Yuta gets the start at forward, and may pay off a cheap price tag as well. Boucher and Trent become incredibly risky as a result.

Boucher was upgraded from out to questionable earlier in the day, and was upgraded to available today as the Raptors prepare to play the Chicago Bulls. Baynes was also listed as probable, but likely won't play as he hasn't played in over a month. Boucher should start at PF, alongside Khem Birch. Boucher produces great per minute, and will certainly be viable since the Raptors will be without Siakam, Lowry, and VanVleet. Boucher's return does cap the upside of Khem Birch, Stanley Johnson, and Freddie Gillepsie.

Boucher was originally listed as out for the game against the Chicago Bulls, but now has been upgraded to questionable, usually a good sign for a player to return. Boucher would likely start at power forward again if he is cleared to play, and would certainly be a viable play. Boucher averages 1.18 FPM per CourtIQ with no Lowry, VanVleet, and Siakam on the floor. Boucher played 38 minutes last game, so if he's cleared, it should be full systems go for him. Stanley Johnson will likely start if Boucher sits; the Raptors will have either eight bodies without Boucher, or nine with him, so there'll certainly be value regardless, particularly from Malachi Flynn, Jalen Harris, and Gary Trent.