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Raptors' Fred VanVleet to return Saturday vs. Timberwolves

Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet will return to the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

VanVleet, who has been held out of the lineup for the team’s last four games due to a hamstring injury, will miss Friday’s contest against the Washington Wizards.

The 25-year-old has established himself as an indispensable part of the Raptors’ core, averaging 18 points, 7 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 39.4 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three-point range.

VanVleet is an excellent defender and earned a Finals MVP vote primarily for his lockdown performances against Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry last summer.

Toronto has persevered through various injuries this season, with Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka missing time at different junctures of the year.

VanVleet is slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and is reportedly drawing interest from the Detroit Pistons among other suitors.

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