NBA Playoffs: Raptors Face Elimination After Brandon Ingram Injury Mars Game 5 Loss to Cavaliers
Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) in the fourth quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
The Toronto Raptors‘ playoff hopes took another devastating blow Wednesday night as Brandon Ingram was forced to exit their 125-120 Game 5 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers due to right heel inflammation. The injury occurred in the second quarter while Ingram attempted to drive past Evan Mobley, aggravating a foot problem that had already sidelined him for three games during the regular season’s final month.
Ingram managed just 11 minutes of action, going 0-of-2 from the field before departing with 7:32 remaining in the second quarter. He finished with one point, two assists and one rebound in what could prove to be a series-defining absence for Toronto.
Raptors struggle without their star forward
« He re-aggravated the heel on one play, » Raptors coach Darko Rajaković explained after the game. « We tried to re-tape him. At halftime, he tried to activate to see if he could be ready for the second half, and he was not ready to come and play in the second half. Tomorrow we’ll know more when we do more evaluations. »
Despite leading 74-67 at halftime and carrying a 103-100 advantage into the fourth quarter, Toronto couldn’t close out the victory without their struggling star. Ingram had been shooting just 33.9% from the field while averaging 14.8 points through the first four games of the series.
Scottie Barnes, who contributed 17 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds despite dealing with his own quad injury sustained in the second quarter, emphasized Ingram’s importance to the team’s success. « We needed him out there on the floor, » Barnes said. « The way they guard him, his shot-making ability when he’s out there on the floor. He makes big plays for us on the defensive end as well. »
The injury adds to Toronto’s mounting health concerns, as starting point guard Immanuel Quickley remains sidelined for the remainder of the series with a hamstring injury suffered during the regular season finale. Barnes also battled through his quad issue, admitting it affected his performance throughout the contest.
« Obviously, it had some effect, » Barnes said. « I couldn’t play with that same pace that I was trying to play with. Had a little limp out there, but I was trying to push through it, trying to win the game. I can’t do nothing about it. Just got to get some recovery, let it rest a little bit and be ready Friday. »
Now trailing 3-2 in the series, the Raptors face elimination as they return home for Game 6, hoping their injured stars can recover in time to extend their playoff run.
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