Raptors G VanVleet out 3 weeks with thumb injury

Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet is sidelined with a partial ligament injury to his left thumb, the team announced Monday. VanVleet, who turns 25 on Feb. 25, is expected to wear a splint for approximately three weeks, and his condition will then be updated. The team said he injured himself during the second quarter of the Raptors' 104-99 victory on Saturday at the New York Knicks.

In 51 games this season (22 starts), VanVleet is averaging 10.5 points, 4.6 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 26.8 minutes per game. He has scored in double figures 30 times over the season, including a career-high 30 points in a 119-101 road win over Atlanta on Feb. 7. Undrafted after a standout career at Wichita State, VanVleet signed with the Raptors in summer 2016.

Toronto is currently 41-16 and leading the Eastern Division. The Raptors host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. --Field Level Media