Toronto Raptors star forward Brandon Ingram has been officially ruled out for Game 6 of the first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team announced Wednesday. The decision comes as a significant setback for the Raptors, who trail the series 3-2 and face elimination.
Injury Details
Ingram sustained the injury during Game 5, which took place on Monday night in Cleveland. After attempting to drive to the basket late in the third quarter, he landed awkwardly and immediately grabbed his left knee. He was helped off the court and did not return to the game. Subsequent medical evaluations revealed a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL), though the team has not disclosed the severity of the sprain or a timeline for his return.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic confirmed the news during a press conference on Wednesday morning. "Brandon is a warrior, and he wanted to play, but after consulting with our medical staff, we decided it's best for him to sit out," Rajakovic said. "We have to protect his long-term health, and our team will have to step up in his absence."
Impact on the Series
Ingram has been the Raptors' leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 27.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His absence leaves a massive void on both ends of the floor. The Raptors will now rely heavily on Scottie Barnes, who has averaged 18.9 points and 9.8 rebounds in the series, and veteran guard Fred VanVleet, who has struggled with consistency but remains a key playmaker.
The Cavaliers, led by James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, have taken advantage of the Raptors' defensive lapses throughout the series. With Ingram out, Cleveland is expected to focus their defensive efforts on Barnes and force other Raptors players to beat them.
Reactions from Teammates
Raptors center Jakob Poeltl expressed confidence in the team's depth. "Obviously, losing B.I. is tough, but we've been in difficult situations before. We have a next-man-up mentality, and everyone is ready to contribute," Poeltl said. "We know what's at stake, and we're going to give it everything we've got."
Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Raptors will need to win to force a decisive Game 7 back in Cleveland. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET.
