Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram was ruled out of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers because of a sore right heel. The absence left the Raptors without one of their top scorers in a do-or-die game, and guard Jamal Shead started in his place for the second straight contest.
Coach Darko Rajakovic said Ingram needed to rest the heel and would be evaluated again after the game. “The injury right now is such that he needs to rest and go easy on his heel and we’ll see where he is at after this,” Rajakovic said before tipoff.
Ingram’s playoff status
Ingram has been sidelined since midway through the second quarter of Wednesday night’s 125-120 loss. The injury comes after a regular season in which the two-time All-Star averaged 21.5 points and earned his second All-Star selection in his first year with Toronto.
His scoring presence has been a major part of the Raptors’ roster, but his postseason availability has been limited. The team had to adjust its rotation again in Game 7 without him, putting more pressure on the remaining starters and bench players to handle the Cavaliers’ defense.
What Game 7 means for Toronto
The winner of Sunday’s game moves on to the Eastern Conference semifinals and will face the Detroit Pistons. Game 1 of that series is scheduled for Tuesday night in Detroit.
For Toronto, Ingram’s status remains a key storyline because his return would affect both the team’s offensive options and its lineup structure. The Raptors will continue to monitor the heel as the series outcome and the next round’s schedule move into focus.