Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Fred VanVleet is out Monday night for the fifth game of the best-of-seven series between the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers.
VanVleet, who is dealing with a hip injury, said Monday morning he will not be able to play in Game 5 as the Raptors fight to stay alive, trailing the series 3-1.
Rookie Scottie Barnes returned for Game 4 from an injury in Game 1 and is likely to have more ball-handling responsibilities for the Raptors on Monday.
VanVleet’s left hip flexor strain creates a challenge for Toronto without a proven 3-point threat, and 76ers head coach Doc Rivers said “it just makes them more switchable” for Philadelphia’s defenders. Rivers was referencing the defensive strategy to switch on screens and only apply the “don’t switch” label to Gary Trent Jr.
VanVleet played just five minutes in Game 4, the first win of the series for the Raptors, and is averaging 13.8 points per game in the series. He averaged 20.3 points per game this season.
–Field Level Media