Toronto Raptors Expect DeMar DeRozan Back in Four Weeks

Nov 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) reacts after going down with a leg injury against the Dallas Mavericks at Air Canada Centre. The Mavericks beat the Raptors 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) reacts after going down with a leg injury against the Dallas Mavericks at Air Canada Centre. The Mavericks beat the Raptors 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Raptors are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and they’re hoping that DeMar DeRozan will be back sooner than they think. 

When the Toronto Raptors surged to the playoffs last season, many thought that they would hit a sophomore slump and fall back in the East. The exact opposite has happened though, as the Raptors are the best team in the Eastern Conference and the second best team in the entire NBA. Only the Memphis Grizzlies have a better record at 14-2 while the Golden State Warriors are tied with the Raptors at 13-3.

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Things haven’t come easy to the Raptors though, as they lost guard DeMar DeRozan on Friday night but it appears he’s not going to be out as long as initially feared.

According to USA Today, it appears that while DeRozan isn’t rushing back, he’s likely to return in four weeks or less which is great news for the Raptors.

"While the Raptors indicated that DeRozan is out indefinitely, a person with knowledge of his situation said DeRozan is hopeful that he can return in four weeks or less. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the team had not announced a timeline. DeRozan went down late in the third quarter of a Friday night loss to the Dallas Mavericks, when he slipped while making a drive toward the basket."

It’s a blow, to say the least but the Raptors season is not going to be derailed by this injury. Getting DeRozan back in four weeks will help make sure things don’t get too out of hand, but this is going to truly tell the Raptors what kind of team they are and if they can sustain a full season grind that lasts into the postseason.

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