The Toronto Raptors will lose their primary point guard, Fred VanVleet, for Game 5 of their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
He left Game 4 of the series on Saturday due to injury, and he revealed in Monday morning training that a magnetic resonance imaging test revealed he had damage to his hip flexor muscles.
The Raptors ’number 23 was injured in the first quarter on Saturday. He felt a click on his hip making a sudden defensive movement. He tried to play despite it, but soon realized he was too limited to continue the game. He retired to the locker room with 4:57 left in the second quarter. He closes his eyes and tore the jersey in frustration.
At the time I knew I didn’t need surgery, but I knew I would never come back. [dans le match]said VanVleet Monday morning.
This has been a problem occasionally this season. I handled it a lot of rehab, but it wasn’t a big deal. That’s just one of the annoying onesHe added.
The 28-year-old point guard isn’t sure if he’ll be able to play in a potential Game 6 in case the Raptors win Monday night.
The Raptors avoided the sweep on Saturday with a 110-102 win over Toronto, but will face elimination again tonight in Philadelphia. The 76ers led the series to 3-1.
I feel good if we play in the second round. I know no one thinks we can do it, but I think we can. I will stay positive and do as much rehab as I can and take it one at a time.he told reporters gathered in Philadelphia.
VanVleet averaged 20.3 points and 6.7 assists per game last season, earning him the first All-Star Game of his career.
Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said he would employ more Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes as point guards and he would also give time to Malachi Flynn, as he did on Saturday.
Source: Radio-Canada
