Toronto Raptors big man Serge Ibaka has proven to be one of the best weapons the Raptors have had for the Boston Celtics. His contributions off the bench are important for this team, especially as Raptors is one of the more experienced players on the team. His rim-protection and floor-spacing are both massive additions to this team.

He is averaging 11.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1 assist a game in the series against Boston. However, the greatest stat has to be his shooting efficiency. While the Raptors have struggled to knock down threes, Ibaka is averaging 50% on 4.4 attempts a game from the three-point line.

However, the Raptors may miss Ibaka in the elimination game 6. The Celtics are up 3-2, and the Raptors look on the verge of relinquishing their crown as NBA Champions. Ibaka is suffering from an ankle injury, but his status for Game 6 is still up in the air.

Toronto Raptors coming back without Ibaka?

The Raptors have been holding on to this series ever since they lost game one. They haven’t looked as sharp or energetic as the Boston Celtics. While they are in this situation because of a game-winning prayer by OG Anunoby in game three, and a strong defensive performance in game 4, this team may have run out of fuel.

Ibaka being absent means that one Raptor that has been missing all series long needs to step up more than ever. First-time all-star Pascal Siakam has often been labeled a leader for this Raptors team. However, he has shrunk in the playoffs. Siakam has averaged 15.8 points on 40% shooting and an abhorrent 15% from three in this series.

Siakam needs to step up now that one of their backup bigs will either miss the game or play with an ankle injury, limiting his mobility. Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet have been inconsistent, but that is also a credit to how the Boston wings have held them down. Siakam has no defensive juggernaut on him, he should be dominating.