Since going down with a right ankle sprain in Game 3 of the Toronto Raptors‘ semifinal series against the Miami Heat, Raptors starting center Jonas Valanciunas has been unable to play. Now he’s able to play again and head coach Dwane Casey involved as they head back to Cleveland for Game 5.
“Hopefully we can get him involved,” Casey said Tuesday.
“It depends on the lineup they have on the court. I know he's our starting center but it's tough to put him out there if they're playing Channing Frye big minutes at the 5.”
Valanciunas had been cleared to play for Game 4, but was held out by Casey to avoid rushing the center back onto the court. His minutes for Game 5 will depend on the Cavs personnel.
Casey said he almost put Valanciunas in before half to keep Biz from picking up 3rd foul but decided against it, hopes to get him in Game 5
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 24, 2016
Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue was not expecting Valanciunas back for Game 4, but understands the impact he has on the Raptors’ game when he’s back on the floor.
“Valanciunas brings a physical presence,” Lue said Monday.
“He brings a post presence, gives them a chance to slow the basketball down, and he can score down low. With his presence it gives a different dynamic to their team outside of just a jump-shooting team and two guards attacking. So it's a different look for us, but we'll be ready for it.”
In place of Valanciunas, Bismack Biyombo has put in huge minutes in the eight games he’s played, averaging 8.9 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. He even posted 26 rebounds in Game 3, which is tied for the most since 1984 with Dwight Howard and Hakeem Olajuwan.
After tying the series 2-2 in Toronto, the big question is whether the Raptors are capable of winning in Cleveland, which will have to happen if they want to make it to the finals. Even tied at 2-2, most are still counting them out.
Game 5 will take place in Cleveland on Wednesday and begins at 8:30pm (EST). With the Cavs expected to win the series and the Raptors undefeated against the Cavs at home this season, it beginning to feel like whomever wins Game 5 will most likely win the whole series.
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