Powell returns to shoulder load off Raptors bench

Norm Powell’s return was always going to be welcomed by the league-leading Raptors, but getting back into action on Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers could not have come at a better time for the ailing team.

Coach Nick Nurse recited a laundry list of injury updates this week, and in the end point guard Kyle Lowry (thigh) and centre Serge Ibaka (knee) were ruled out for Wednesday’s game at Scotiabank Arena — along with Jonas Valanciunas, still weeks away after thumb surgery.