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Toronto Raptors All-Star forward Brandon Ingram will miss Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team announced Sunday. The injury—a sore right heel
—has now sidelined Ingram for the series-clinching matchup, forcing the Raptors to rely on depth and playoff heroics to advance past the first round for the first time since 2020.
Ingram’s absence comes after he was ruled out of Game 6 on Friday due to the same heel inflammation, which first flared up during Game 5 in Cleveland. The two-time All-Star played just 11 minutes in Game 5 before exiting, and his condition did not improve despite a day of rest between games. Reports from the Raptors’ morning shootaround in Cleveland on Sunday showed Ingram still using a walking boot, further confirming his unavailability for the pivotal final game.
The Cavaliers currently lead the series 3-2 and will look to close out the Raptors in Game 7, which tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Toronto’s playoff hopes now rest on the shoulders of players like Scottie Barnes, Ja’Kobe Walter, and RJ Barrett, who have stepped up in Ingram’s absence. Walter, in particular, delivered a career-high 24 points in Game 6, helping the Raptors force overtime and secure a 112-110 win.
Ingram’s Injury Timeline and Impact
Ingram’s injury has been a major storyline for the Raptors in this series. The forward, who averaged 21.5 points per game during the regular season, has struggled in the playoffs, posting just 12 points per game against the Cavaliers. His early exit in Game 5—where he scored only one point in 11 minutes—highlighted the severity of his heel issue.
Despite the setback, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic has praised the team’s depth, particularly Walter’s emergence. Ingram’s absence has allowed Walter to accept on a larger role, and his performance in Game 6 suggests the Raptors can still compete without their star forward.
With Ingram out, the focus shifts to whether Toronto’s bench and rotation can deliver another clutch performance. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on their home-court advantage and series lead.
What’s Next for the Raptors?
The Raptors will submit their official injury report ahead of Game 7, but Ingram’s status remains unchanged. If Toronto wins Sunday, they will advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2020. A loss, however, would end their season in the first round.
The stakes could not be higher. Without Ingram, the Raptors must rely on their depth, defense, and the ability of their young stars to rise to the occasion. Fans will be watching closely to see if Toronto can pull off the upset and force a second-round berth.
Game 7 tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Updates will be available throughout the game.
Have questions about how the Raptors plan to proceed without Ingram? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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