Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Raptors frontcourt took a hit when DeMarre Carroll suffered a heel injury on Nov. 7 that kept him out of the lineup. He has since returned to the court after missing multiple games.

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Carroll Active vs. Pelicans



Friday, Nov. 13

The Raptors announced Carroll will start against New Orleans tonight.

How Carroll's Return Impacts Raptors

Carroll was Toronto's big free-agent signing in the offseason, coming off a career year with the Atlanta Hawks in which he averaged 12.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Injuries have not been a major part of Carroll's career to this point, though he's been a major player for only the past two years. He did have an injury scare during last year's Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, when he hyperextended his knee while trying to go for a layup.

Carroll was able to appear in all four games against the Cavaliers, though, so he has a high threshold for pain. The Raptors have built a solid roster to compete for one of the top three spots in the East. Carroll is a huge part of their plans, although the team does have James Johnson as a capable backup.

So long as Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas are healthy and playing well, the Raptors will be a playoff team. Carroll's presence can take them a step further, as long as he is able to shake the injury bug this season.