The Toronto Raptors face a pivotal Game 6 on Friday night, hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers with their playoff lives hanging in the balance. Down 3-2 in the first-round series after a tough road loss in Game 5, the Raptors are fighting to force a decisive Game 7 back in Cleveland.
However, Toronto's comeback hopes could be significantly hampered by injuries to two key players. The team's injury report casts a shadow over what promises to be an electric atmosphere at Scotiabank Arena.
Leading the concerns is star forward Brandon Ingram, who is listed as questionable with right heel inflammation. Ingram was forced to exit Wednesday's loss early, and if he's unable to go, it would mark his first absence of the playoffs. His potential absence would open the door for A.J. Lawson and Jamal Shead to see increased minutes off the bench.
Meanwhile, guard Immanuel Quickley has already been ruled out for Game 6 due to a right hamstring strain that has sidelined him since the start of the postseason. The Raptors expect Quickley to miss the remainder of the first round, meaning Ja'Kobe Walter will likely continue starting in his place and shoulder a larger offensive load.
There is a silver lining for Toronto: All-Star Scottie Barnes is not on the injury report after suffering a right quad contusion in Game 5. Barnes is good to go and will be crucial to the Raptors' chances of extending the series.
With their season on the line, the Raptors will need contributions from every available player. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch all the action live on Amazon Prime Video. Will Toronto's depth step up, or will the Cavaliers close out the series on the road?
