Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam will play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers after he was previously listed as doubtful with a right calf contusion:
Pascal Siakam will play in Game 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 5, 2019
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday that Siakam was experiencing a lot of pain and swelling and was unlikely to play in Game 4, but it appears as though the calf has made enough progress for Siakam to give it a go in this pivotal matchup.
Siakam — who has been a breakout star for the Raptors this season and is a candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award — has been just about the only player helping Kawhi Leonard carry the scoring load for Toronto.
The Cameroon native scored at least 20 points in each of the series' first three games, and he has shown some defensive versatility in guarding Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler.
After averaging 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists during the regular season, Siakam has taken his play to new heights during the postseason.
In eight games, Siakam is averaging 22.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists on over 50 percent shooting, while also shooting just over 36 percent from beyond the arc.
The increased production has been very necessary, too, as Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol have struggled immensely on the offensive end. Toronto's bench has also been outplayed in a big way.
Siakam's presence in the rotation should be a huge confidence booster to a team that has lacked a steady offensive presence outside of Leonard, who is averaging over 36 points in the series.
It would be a truly heroic effort if Siakam can help the Raptors to a win and even the series heading back to Toronto.
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