Fred VanVleet will not play in Game 5 against the 76ers.
After leaving Game 4 with a left hip strain, Toronto Raptor guard Fred VanVleet did not suit up for Game 5 tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers (LIVE, NBA TV). Frontcourt veteran Khem Birch started in his place.
VanVleet left Saturday’s Game 4 after being assessed at halftime and later ruled out for the game. Toronto managed a 110-102 victory to keep the series alive at 3-1. An MRI of VanVleet’s injury revealed a hip flexor sprain and he said he is unsure if he would play in Game 6 should the series go that far.
VanVleet says MRI showed a hip flexor strain, but said he was glad it showed there wasn’t anything seriously wrong. Said he’s not sure if he can play if the series extends to a Game 6. https://t.co/w5b5T5Tbn3
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) April 25, 2022
After being called for a foul with 4:57 to go in the second quarter of Game 4, VanVleet ripped his jersey apart in frustration and walked off the court to the locker room because of a strained left hip.
“He’s been banged around pretty good this year and he continues to lace it up and go out there and play big minutes every night,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said after Game 4. “There’s not every guy in this league that does that.”
Game Recap: Raptors 110, 76ers 102
Scottie Barnes, who is dealing with his own ankle injury, replaced VanVleet in the lineup.
VanVleet showed signs of slowing due to the injury throughout the second quarter, then finally headed to the locker room with 4:57 left, ripping his jersey in frustration in the must-win game for Toronto.
The 28-year-old All-Star had five points and three assists in 14 minutes of action. Overall, he is averaging 13.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game in the postseason.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
