Siakam is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's season opener against the Pistons.

EDGE Analysis

Patrick Patterson was considered the leading candidate to start in Jared Sullinger's (foot) place, but it appears coach Dwane Casey has opted to go with the rookie instead. Coach Casey has indicated multiple times in the past that he likes bringing Patterson off the bench, so that's likely the motivation behind this move. Even though Siakam is with the top unit, Patterson should get a ton of run off the bench, so at best, the two will see a time share at the position.

Raptors coach Dwane Casey said that Siakam could log some starts at power forward while Jared Sullinger (foot) remains out for approximately two-to-three months, Josh Lewenberg of TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Casey labeled veteran Patrick Patterson as the top candidate to fill in for Sullinger on the top unit for the season opener and beyond, but noted that he hasn't reached a decision yet on the matter, and could conceivably go "back and forth" between the two big men. With few other enticing options in the frontcourt, it's also possible that Casey utilizes more small-ball lineups featuring DeMarre Carroll at power forward, but Siakam should find himself locked into a rotation role nonetheless. Even so, the rookie's playing time could remain somewhat volatile, and even when he starts, Siakam may just act as a placeholder at the beginning of halves. Expect Patterson picking up the bulk of the minutes at the position most nights whether he starts or not.

Siakam received the start at power forward Thursday and notched six points (3-4 FG), two assists, a rebound and a steal over 20 minutes in a 119-94 preseason victory over the Cavs.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie big man turned in a respectable showing while playing at least 20 minutes for the third time in four preseason tilts. Siakam has been solid overall in the exhibition slate to date, although his performance on the boards has slipped with each successive game. The 2016 first-round pick figures in for limited minutes behind Jared Sullinger and Patrick Patterson at the four in the coming campaign.

Siakam will start in Thursday's preseason game against the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

Siakam is drawing the spot start while Toronto reduces the role of their usual starters in the preseason. He figures to see a minutes bump as long as he's in the starting lineup.

Siakam (knee) didn't play in the Raptors' Las Vegas Summer League finale Saturday against the Timberwolves.

EDGE Analysis

Siakam only appeared in the Raptors' summer league opener against the Kings, during which he put up 12 points and two boards in 15 minutes before departing with the left knee sprain. He briefly had to leave the Raptors to attend to some matters in Canada pertaining to his immigration papers, which further prevented him from integrating with his team. It shouldn't be viewed as a major setback for the rookie, who should be fully healthy for training camp and will look to establish himself as the team's second or third big man off the bench.

Siakam (knee) is being hampered by immigration issues, and will travel to Ottwa in order to resolve them, Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Siakam is also waiting for his knee to be checked by doctors. He sustained a minor knee sprain on Saturday during a Las Vegas Summer League game against the Kings. If the doctors say his knee checks out, he is expected to play again this summer once he recovers. There will likely be an update on the status of his immigration status and his knee in the near future.

Siakam (knee) signed a rookie contract with the Raptors on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The Raptors also came to terms on a contract with their other first-round selection in the June draft, No. 9 overall pick Jakob Poeltl. Siakam had his summer league debut Friday against the Kings cut short by what's believed to be a minor left knee sprain, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds and a steal across 15 minutes.

Siakam suffered a sprained left knee during Friday's 88-47 win over the Kings in Las Vegas Summer League play.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie first-round pick started at power forward for the Raptors, providing 12 points, two rebounds and a steal in 15 minutes before departing. Siakam was able to receive treatment on the bench after his exit, and with the game out of hand, it's possible the team just kept him sidelined for the rest of the night as a precaution. His next chance to return to the court will come Sunday against the Timberwolves.