The Toronto Raptors announced on Tuesday that centre Serge Ibaka is officially listed as questionable for Wednesday's Game 6 against the Boston Celtics due to a sprained left ankle.
Ibaka suffered the injury at some point in Monday's Game 5 loss but played through the discomfort, finishing with seven points and four rebounds in just under 19 minutes of action.
On Tuesday, Ibaka completed his media availability while wearing a walking boot on his left foot, telling reporters that he was unsure if he would be able to play in Game 6.
Serge Ibaka in a walking boot and is not sure he will play in Game 6. pic.twitter.com/YzDbPMNqhF
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) September 8, 2020
As reported by TSN's Josh Lewenberg, Ibaka shared that he felt fine during Game 5 but that his condition worsened overnight, resulting in his status change.
Lewenberg later reported that head coach Nick Nurse is taking the "wait and see" approach to Ibaka's status, adding that Chris Boucher and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will be two players the Raptors could lean on in Ibaka's absence.
Elsewhere, the team seems pretty confident that Ibaka will be able to suit up for the crucial game.
"I'd be surprised if he wasn't out there," says Fred VanVleet, who has spent three and a half seasons as Ibaka's teammate with the Raptors.
"Serge is probably the best I've ever seen at taking care of his body, recovering, following his routine," VanVleet continued, per Lewenberg.
In the 2019-20 regular season, the Raptors were 10-4 in games that Ibaka missed due to injury. Through nine postseason games, Ibaka is averaging 15.1 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting 57.6% from the field and 52.8% from beyond the arc.
Down 3-2 in the series, Toronto will look to extend its season in Game 6 against Boston on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Check back for updates on Ibaka's status.
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