Andrea Bargnani returns from elbow injury, will come off bench against Boston Celtics

Center Andrea Bargnani was set to come off the bench for the Toronto Raptors for Wednesday's game against Boston, ending a 26-game injury absence.

The top pick in the 2006 draft, Bargnani has not played since tearing a ligament in his right elbow in a Dec. 10 loss at Portland. The 7-footer also injured his right wrist in that game when he fell awkwardly on a dunk attempt.

Bargnani has started in every appearance for Toronto since Dec. 29, 2008, when he came off the bench in a loss at Golden State.

Toronto's Aaron Gray, who has had double-digit rebounds in four straight games, was set to start at center against the Celtics.

The Raptors went 13-13 without Bargnani, who is averaging 16.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 21 games.