Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Raptors say Siakam (calf) is doubtful for Game 4

Written by 
Published in Basketball
Saturday, 04 May 2019 11:13

PHILADELPHIA -- Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam suffered a right calf contusion, and has been listed as doubtful for Game 4 of the Raptors' conference semifinals series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.

Siakam said on Saturday he hurt the calf in the Raptors' 116-95 loss at Philadelphia in Game 3 on Thursday, but couldn't recall precisely when the injury occurred.

"I don't know exactly when it happened, but after the game I was just like really sore," Siakam said. "I think it calmed down a little bit, then I felt worse."

Siakam hasn't been able to put the leg through much physical activity since Thursday. The calf has been undergoing treatment, including ice as well as light movement therapy, he said.

A favorite to win the NBA's Most Improved Player award, Siakam has emerged as one of the Raptors' most consistent offensive producers behind Kawhi Leonard this postseason. In eight postseason games this spring, Siakam has averaged 22.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists, with an effective field goal percentage of 56.9. Siakam is also a versatile defender who has guarded all five positions for the Raptors at various junctures over the past two postseasons.

Siakam's absence would challenge the Raptors because the team is already without reserve forward OG Anunoby, who underwent an emergency appendectomy just prior to the start of the playoffs.

"With the OG out, it's not the ideal position for us," said Raptors coach Nick Nurse. "We're a little thin there."

Each scenario presents a different complication for Toronto. Nurse suggested Raptors backup guard Fred VanVleet as one option, noting the team had enjoyed success with pace and ball movement when VanVleet has played as part of a three-guard lineup. In 56 minutes on the floor with the starting backcourt and Leonard, lineups featuring VanVleet averaged 116.7 points per 100 possessions, with a net rating of plus-46.8.

Yet replacing Siakam with a perimeter player would put the Raptors at a greater size disadvantage against a Philadelphia team that features exceptional length and has hurt Toronto on the offensive glass.

"Size has been a problem," Nurse said. "We knew coming into the series that they would have size at a lot of positions."

The Raptors could also opt to start backup big man Serge Ibaka, who has struggled in the series. Nurse also suggested as another possibility 6-foot-7 swingman Patrick McCaw, who has seen limited time on the floor since returning from a right thumb injury. Introducing McCaw into the starting lineup would enable the Raptors to preserve their current rotation, Nurse said.

With the Raptors trailing 2-1 in the series and now potentially without their second-most prolific scorer, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry said that it was imperative for the rest of the team to compensate in an effort to help leading scorer Kawhi Leonard.

"Kawhi has been unbelievable in the playoffs, Pascal's been unbelievable in the playoffs," Lowry said on Saturday. "As other players around those guys we need to step up in general, make some shots, be more aggressive, draw some more fouls, try to do some more things to help relieve the little bit of the scoring burden off of them."

Read 1345 times

Soccer

Arsenal expect Saka, Martinelli return in April

Arsenal expect Saka, Martinelli return in April

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsArsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he hopes to have wingers Bukayo S...

Pep: 'Old Man City' won't be back this season

Pep: 'Old Man City' won't be back this season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPep Guardiola has admitted fans will never see "the old Manchester...

Slot cites mental strength as Liverpool go 13 clear

Slot cites mental strength as Liverpool go 13 clear

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLiverpool head coach Arne Slot has praised his team's mentality aft...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Pistons beat Celtics by 20, run win streak to 8

Pistons beat Celtics by 20, run win streak to 8

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDETROIT -- Malik Beasley scored 26 points, Cade Cunningham had 21 p...

Sharpe wows with one-handed slam: 'Incredible'

Sharpe wows with one-handed slam: 'Incredible'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWASHINGTON -- Shaedon Sharpe has been one of the NBA's most gifted...

Baseball

Angels' Trout connects for first homer of spring

Angels' Trout connects for first homer of spring

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTEMPE, Ariz. -- Three-time AL MVP Mike Trout hit his first homer of...

Arenado says trip to face Yanks not a 'showcase'

Arenado says trip to face Yanks not a 'showcase'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTAMPA, Fla. -- St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado made...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated