The Toronto Raptors will look to extend their season when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of their NBA Eastern Conference quarterfinal, likely without one of their best players.
The Raptors said on Friday that forward Brandon Ingram, who left Game 5 with heel inflammation, is considered doubtful to play in the team’s must-win game at Scotiabank Arena.
The Cavaliers took a 3-2 lead in the series and pushed the Raptors to the brink of elimination with a 125-120 win at home on Wednesday.
The Raptors have proved to be a match for the heavily favoured Cavaliers, who boast a lineup featuring stars James Harden, Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell.
Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles have led a Raptors team that has played gritty defence and kept Cleveland’s stars off-balance.
But Cleveland has not trailed in the series, and even if the Raptors win tonight, they will still need to defeat the Cavs on the road on Sunday.
Cleveland holds a 10-0 postseason record at home against Toronto, dating back to a series dominated by LeBron James from 2016-18.
With files from Lucas Casaletto of CityNews