Fred VanVleet will not be available for Game 5 of the first-round series between the Toronto Raptors and the Philadelphia 76ers, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports. The Raptors’ star guard will miss Monday’s elimination game as the Sixers need one more win to close out the series having a 3-1 lead.
The 28-year-old, who’s also been battling a bruised knee the past few months, limped off the court in the second quarter of Saturday’s Game 4. He ripped his jersey in frustration and head to the locker room to receive treatment.
Then, the Raptors made known that he suffered a strained left hip flexor that makes him unavailable for do-or-die Game 5 Monday night. The Raptors trailed the Sixers 3-1 in the best-of-seven and need a win Monday to avoid elimination.
VanVleet averaged 20.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game this season and was named an all-star for the first time. He had to face some injuries struggles throughout the season regarding his knee.
After a slow start, the Raptors were able to right the ship, avoid the play-in tournament and advance directly to the postseason. VanVleet was a crucial part of the Toronto’s return to playoffs after missing the postseason last year.
“Hopefully, we can extend this thing and I would feel great about maybe playing in the next round.
“Nobody believes we can do it, but I think we can. I’m going to stay positive and get as much rehab as I can,” VanVleet told reporters Monday.
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