Toronto Raptors big man Serge Ibaka plans to play in his team’s Game 6 matchup with the Boston Celtics despite having sprained his ankle late in the Raptors’ Game 5 loss to the Celtics.
Speaking at his team’s pregame media availability session, Toronto head coach Nick Nurse revealed the veteran center will play in Game 6 despite the injury, presumably with the hope Ibaka will be mobile enough with the sprain to be a positive contributor.
Nurse also revealed Ibaka will not have a minutes restriction, again with the presumption that the Congolese center will have plenty of time to recuperate if the team loses.
Serge Ibaka (ankle) will play in Game 6. No minute restriction, per Nurse.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) September 9, 2020
The Brazzaville native has averaged 11.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, an assist and 1.4 blocks per game on 51.2% shooting (including 50% from 3-point range) in the series with Boston to date.
He has been especially troublesome for the Celtics with his ability to stretch out Boston’s big men, especially Robert Williams III, who is still learning how to switch out to guard the perimeter at a high level.
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