Confirming what Kyle Lowry suggested would be the case, Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey said his point guard won’t likely play in Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“I don’t think he’s going to go,” Casey said of Lowry for Sunday’s elimination game, per Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
On Saturday, Lowry confessed that his efforts to get up for Game 3 on Friday night set him back in his recovery and said he was “doubtful” to play in Game 4.
At this point, it’s probably for the best that he doesn’t attempt to grit out a short appearance on a gimpy ankle. The Raptors, already down three games to none, are pretty much guaranteed to lose this series. And if they have any hope of not being swept on Sunday, then they need every player that can play at 100 percent to be the focus of that effort.
Lowry was hurt early in Game 2. The Raptors fought hard but simply do not have the talent without him to slow down LeBron James and Co. They’ve lost their first three games this series by a combined total of 54 points. But hey, at least fans have some sweet T-shirts to wear Sunday as they attempt to support their team…or not.
If the Raptors lose and Lowry doesn’t play, then it’s likely his last game with Toronto will have been Game 2. He’s expected to opt out of his contract and hit free agency this summer.