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UPDATE: Sept. 8, 12:09 p.m. — Just as we expected, Ibaka is being listed as questionable for Game 6 vs. the Celtics on Wednesday.
Toronto Raptors PF Serge Ibaka is dealing with a twisted ankle and his status is uncertain for Game 6 vs. the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. Ibaka was injured during the loss in Game 5, which gave the Celtics a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 series. With the season on the line, we don’t know if Ibaka will be able to play.
.@sergeibaka says he twisted his ankle in game 5 and is going to see how he feels tomorrow morning to determine his availability for game 6. pic.twitter.com/uJb5pMvbgD
— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) September 8, 2020
Ibaka is seen in the above tweet in a walking boot. It’s probably just precautionary while he receives treatment. We’ll see what Ibaka’s deal is on Wednesday, but assume for now he’s questionable to play. That will be the most likely tag. Down 3-2, an Ibaka absence would hurt Toronto’s chances of extending the series.
If Ibaka is out, the Raptors are really in a front court bind. Marc Gasol has been starting, but splits minutes pretty evenly with Ibaka at the 4 and 5. Pascal Siakam would have to play the 5 with Gasol on the bench. We’d likely see some Rondae Hollis-Jefferson at PF or SF if Ibaka can’t go. OG Anunoby would also need to play some more minutes at PF, which is something he’s used to doing. If the Raptors were playing another team this would be a bigger deal. Boston lacks size outside of Daniel Theis and Robert Williams, so Toronto can survive Ibaka being out.