The Raptors may be down 0-2 to the Cavaliers, but at least the playoff action moves to Toronto now. The home court advantage provides the Raptors with a much-needed atmosphere to help them secure a winning result. So far in the series, they have definitely been tested in more ways than one. They’ve faced challenges in seeing which key players can actually step up or not, in trying to stop Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, and in confronting a tough frontcourt duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
What has made things more discouraging for sure is the Raptors’ forced hand in approaching this playoff series without their lead guard, Immanuel Quickley. While IQ has his critics, there’s no denying that his presence was going to be extremely influential in how this series could turn out.
Quickley helps push the pace and provides the Raptors with perhaps their greatest shooting element. But he was rendered inactive for both Game 1 and Game 2 due to an untimely hamstring injury that occurred in the final game of the regular season against Brooklyn.
As of now, Quickley’s progress toward a healthy return has been described as improving (or "getting better every day," as Coach Rajakovic put it), but he’s still listed as questionable. That remains a key challenge for the Raptors in their effort to challenge the Cavs at full strength. A new injury report for Game 3 has sparked yet another concern that could sideline another key contributor for Toronto.
Ja’Kobe Walter, who has quickly become an important part of the Raptors’ efforts after a standout second-half campaign, is dealing with an illness that puts his availability for Game 3 in question.
Walter provided a bench scoring boost in Game 2 despite the loss, adding 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting. I already mentioned how the bench coming together like that, plus a turnaround from the starters, was going to be the key to Toronto’s victory hopes moving forward — but this definitely puts a damper on those plans.
Ja'Kobe Walter’s Game 3 status is uncertain as the Raptors’ playoff challenge grows
We don’t know for sure yet if Walter won’t play, so all hope isn't lost. But thinking ahead, you have to wonder where the Raptors will look if Walter falls by the wayside. He has been averaging around 28 minutes in the Raptors' first two playoff matchups, so it will be a noticeable blow to the rotation if he can’t suit up.
Their depth has already been tested in this series, and depending on Walter’s development, it forces Toronto to consider increased minutes for Jamal Shead, more focus on AJ Lawson, or calling in some of the reserves like Gradey Dick or Jamison Battle.
The latter presents an intriguing option given his sharpshooting ability and the fact that he had a breakout game against the Cavs during the regular season — though it was a different version of Cleveland than what we see now, it was still a good showing.
I will definitely be paying close attention to the final update closer to tip-off, as I’m sure others in the Raptors sphere will be too. While I’d be happy to see the next man up try to make something of this potential opportunity, Walter's sudden illness adds another concerning factor to consider in a series that has already put Toronto at a disadvantage.
Add us as a preferred source on Google