Raptors lose starting guard in season opener due to injury

The Toronto Raptors cannot afford another injury.

And yet Immanuel Quickley had to retire just 14 minutes into his season opener with a bruised right pelvis. He remained in the game briefly but was eventually ruled out.

Quickley injured himself trying to block a rebound and fell awkwardly over Darius Garland. The 25-year-old remained on the ground for a moment before getting back up and trying to shake him off.

Toronto turned to Davion Mitchell to start the second half and will now rely more heavily on rookie second-round pick Jamal Shead, who comes off the bench while Quickley is sidelined.

Quickley had 13 points when forced out, shooting 4 of 7 from the field with four assists.

The Raptors are already dealing with a series of injuries to RJ Barrett, Ja'Kobe Walter, Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk. Barrett is believed to be the group's closest player to a return, possibly returning later this week or early next week while he recovers from an AC joint strain.

Toronto has Thursday off before the Philadelphia 76ers come to town on Friday. It will be the first night of a back-to-back game for the Raptors, who will travel straight to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves on Saturday.

More information on Quickley's status should be available after the game or on Friday

Quickley signed a five-year, $162.5 million contract with Toronto last summer when the Raptors handed him and Scottie Barnes leadership of the organization.