Valanciunas to miss rest of Heat series with sprained ankle
The Toronto Raptors will be without center Jonas Valanciunas for the remainder of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat due to a sprained right ankle, the team announced Sunday.
The fourth-year pro went down at the 8:53 mark of the third quarter on Saturday night in Game 3 at American Airlines Arena. As he looked to block a driving Dwyane Wade, Valanciunas appeared to have rolled his ankle by coming down on the back of the three-time NBA champion's foot.
He left the game and did not return, finishing with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds on 7-of-12 shooting in 22 minutes of action. A precautionary X-ray later came back negative.
The Raptors have a -27.5 net rating when Valanciunas is on the bench against Miami, compared to a 14.1 rating when he sees the floor. They also give up 29 more points per 100 possessions on defense when he's not playing.
This is unquestionably a massive blow for the Raptors, as Valanciunas has been one of their most consistent players on both ends of the floor throughout their postseason run, averaging 15 points and 12.1 rebounds on 55 percent shooting.
Toronto currently possesses a 2-1 series lead, with Game 4 taking place Monday night.
Heat center Hassan Whiteside has also been bitten by the injury bug, as he's been ruled day to day with a sprained MCL in his right knee.