The Toronto Raptors have overcome adversity throughout the playoffs, but this latest blow appears to be detrimental.
After falling behind two games to none to the vaunted Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, Raptors fans were hoping for the return of starting center Jonas Valanciunas in Game 3 back in Toronto. Unfortunately, that won't be the case.
During the broadcast of Game 2, ESPN announcer Mike Breen dropped the news:
“Jonas Valanciunas. He will definitely not play in Game 3, according to Dwane Casey. He's still not close. They're hoping maybe Game 4, but you get the feeling that's wishful thinking.”
Given the way this series is going, we might not see Valanciunas at all. He's been out for quite some time now, leaving Game 3 of their second round series against the Miami Heat with a sprained right ankle.
His presence has been sorely missed in the first two games against Cleveland, as Tristan Thompson has dominated the glass while Valanciunas and his 12.1 rebounds per game in the playoffs remain on the bench.
As CBS Sports' Zach Harper points out, Toronto has only been at minus-0.3 points per 100 possessions with Valanciunas playing in the playoffs, but they're a minus-6.6 without him. This is mostly thanks to a drop-off on the defensive end of the floor.
If I had to bet, the Cavs would have taken this series even if Valanciunas had played. It's a shame that we're not going to find out, though.
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