The Toronto Raptors will try to respond to the Game 1 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their first-round playoff series when the series resumes on Monday.
Toronto fell 126-113 in the opener and now faces a quick turnaround with Game 2 on the road and facing a potential 2-0 deficit heading north of the border for Game 3 on Thursday.
The Raptors, however, are still dealing with a key absence in the backcourt in that of point guard Immanuel Quickley. The No. 5 seed Toronto couldn't count on its playcaller for Game 1 after he suffered a late regular-season injury he has yet to recover from.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Now, the Raptors have officially listed point guard Immanuel Quickley as "questionable" for Game 2 with a right hamstring strain.
Quickley suffered his injury during the regular-season finale against the Brooklyn Nets on Apr. 12 and the timeline for his return to the court remains in doubt.
Earlier in the season, Quickley dealt with plantar fasciitis and missed eight straight games late in the schedule.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic noted the impact of Quickley's absence after the first game against Cleveland.
“We missed Quickley big time with the way he gets us organized and his shooting helps our team out,” Rajakovic said. “I like Jamal’s defense and what we need on the court. We wanted to have multiple ball handlers on the floor with Jamal.”
Jamal Shead stepped into the starting role and scored 17 points in 28 minutes, providing two assists but committing two turnovers. If Quickley remains out, Toronto is expected to continue leaning on Shead.
Quickley finished the regular season averaging 16.4 points, 5.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds across 70 games.
Game 2 between the Raptors and the Cavaliers is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET in Cleveland on Monday.
