Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker was sent home from practice Friday after showing signs of a flu bug that has affected other members of the team this week.
Raptors coach Dwane Casey told reporters, however, that Tucker is expected to play Saturday in Toronto's playoff series opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Casey said that the flu bug has been "going through" the team and that Tucker was "a little under the weather" Friday.
"We sent him home so he wouldn't contaminate everyone else," Casey said Friday. "He'll be good to go (for Game 1 against the Bucks)."
The flu bug sidelined All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan for the Raptors' regular-season finale Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Casey said All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry also was feeling sick Thursday.
"I think (DeRozan) probably gave it to PJ and Kyle. Nobody else," Casey said. "It's nothing serious, I don't think. Just a little under the weather -- achy but they're fine."
The 6-foot-6 Tucker averaged 5.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in 24 games with the Raptors after being traded to Toronto at the deadline. The six-year veteran likely will draw the assignment of defending Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo throughout the best-of-seven series.
