The Raptors are set to play their first playoff game against the Cavaliers without their starting point guard.
Immanuel Quickley has aggravated a previously strained right hamstring while attempting a comeback from injury, leading to an announcement from the Raptors that he will be sidelined for the entire series.
The 26-year-old Quickley had missed the initial three games of the playoffs due to this injury, which he sustained in a game against the Nets at the end of the regular season. It’s been a tough season for him too, having dealt with plantar fasciitis that kept him out for several games earlier.
Despite struggling with injuries last season, Quickley had carved out a role as Toronto’s starting point guard this year. He averaged 16.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, shooting 44.3 percent in 70 games.
In Quickley’s absence, second-year guard Jamal Shehead stepped in as a starter during the games against Cleveland, managing to average 7.3 points and 2.3 steals.
Following a loss to Cleveland in Game 1, when the Raptors were beaten 126-113, Toronto’s head coach Darko Rajkovic expressed to the media that losing Quickley is a significant blow because he was pivotal in organizing the team and providing shooting. He acknowledged Shehead’s defensive skills but highlighted the need for multiple ball handlers on the court.
After a challenging playoff start, the Raptors came back strong, defeating the Cavaliers 126-104 in their most recent game. This victory snapped a 12-game postseason losing streak against Cleveland, harking back to the days of LeBron James’s time there, and put the Raptors back in the series at 2-1.
Scottie Barnes, a two-time All-Star forward, was outstanding in that game, achieving playoff career highs of 33 points and 11 assists, shooting 11-of-17 from the field.
In a post-game interview, Barnes remarked that the entire team needed to contribute for the win, emphasizing their resilience and determination. Coach Rajkovic echoed this sentiment, lauding Barnes for his all-around performance that night.
