Valanciunas upgraded to questionable for Game 4
The Toronto Raptors could get a shot in the arm Monday night in their attempt to tie the Eastern Conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Center Jonas Valanciunas has been upgraded to questionable for Game 4.
He's missed the last seven games due to a sprained right ankle.
"We'll see," Raps coach Dwane Casey told reporters after shootaround Monday morning, which Valanciunas participated in. Casey also said that the Lithuanian 7-footer is still dealing with some soreness. On Sunday, he had been officially listed by the team as doubtful for the pivotal contest.
The Raptors have leaned heavily on Bismack Biyombo in Valanciunas' absence - to both their benefit in terms of the energy and defense he brings, but also some detriment given his offensive limitations. Biyombo pulled down a franchise-record 26 rebounds in Saturday's Game 3 victory, while scoring seven points.
Valanciunas was having a strong postseason when he got hurt in Game 3 against the Miami Heat, averaging 15 points and 12.1 rebounds in 10 games.