Raptors face injury worries as series shifts back to Toronto
raptors-face-injury-worries-ahead-of-game-6
The Toronto Raptors will return home trailing 3–2 in their first-round matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers after letting a 12-point lead slip away in Wednesday’s Game 5. Two key players are now on the injury report as the club prepares for Friday’s elimination game at Scotiabank Arena.
Ingram’s heel flares up again
Forward Brandon Ingram left Game 5 in the second quarter with right heel inflammation—the same issue that sidelined him for three contests from March 23 to April 1. Head coach Darko Rajaković said Ingram attempted to retape the heel and warm up at halftime, but was ultimately ruled out for the rest of the night. Further tests are scheduled for Thursday.
Ingram has struggled offensively in the series, shooting 19-for-58 overall (32.8%), including 14-for-45 on two-pointers (31.1%). Despite the slump, he was the team’s leading scorer during the regular season, and teammates stressed his importance to the offense.
Barnes playing through quad bruise
Scottie Barnes absorbed a hit to his quadriceps in the second quarter and admitted afterward that the injury limited his mobility. “I couldn’t play with that same pace,” he said, noting he expects rest and treatment to have him ready for Game 6.
Barrett carrying scoring load
With Ingram hampered, RJ Barrett has paced Toronto, averaging 24.4 points on .535 shooting from the field and .462 from beyond the arc. He has also handled diverse defensive assignments ranging from big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen to scorers James Harden and Donovan Mitchell. Barnes called Barrett’s two-way effort “big-time,” while guard Jamal Shead said the team trusts every late-game shot Barrett takes.
Murray-Boyles emerging
Rookie lottery pick Collin Murray-Boyles is averaging 15.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists while hitting 67.3% of his attempts in the postseason. Overshadowed during the regular campaign by first-year standouts Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and VJ Edgecombe, the forward is strengthening an already deep 2025 draft class with his playoff performance.
Temple recognized by peers
Veteran swingman Garrett Temple placed fourth in the league’s Teammate of the Year voting, collecting 46 first-place votes.
The Raptors and Cavaliers resume their best-of-seven series Friday night in Toronto.
Source: Hoops Rumors
