The Toronto Raptors are surprise contenders this season, which would make losing one of their key players for an extended period of time a tough break.
Brandon Ingram left Toronto’s 97-96 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, January 7 in the second quarter with a right thumb sprain and did not return. Before the injury, he had six points, two assists and three blocks in 11 minutes.
The veteran forward has been a key piece of Toronto’s resurgence this season, averaging 21.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 47.4% shooting from the field and 34.9% shooting from beyond the arc. The Raptors acquired him from the New Orleans Pelicans in a deadline trade last season.
Brandon Ingram’s Injury Status
Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic provided an update on Ingram after the game, saying the team did imaging on his right thumb that came back clean.
“He just sprained his right thumb. We did X-rays that came out negative,” Rajakovic said. “At this point, he’s day-to-day.”
The All-Star will likely miss Toronto’s game against the Boston Celtics on Friday, January 9. The Raptors are one game behind the Celtics in the Eastern Conference standings.
If Ingram is out for longer than one game, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Ochai Agbaji should see more playing time. Toronto is still without center Jakob Poeltl, who is working his way towards a return from a lower back injury.
Toronto Raptors Trade Rumors
With the Raptors looking to get back to the postseason, the team has been linked to multiple players on the trading block this year. Toronto is in need of some size on the interior to pair with Poeltl once he returns.
Anthony Davis continues to be a name with a lot of trade buzz. Toronto would likely have to give up RJ Barrett and multiple first-round draft picks to meet the Dallas Mavericks’ asking price.
Domantas Sabonis is a player who has surfaced in trade rumors more recently who would also be a fit for Toronto. With the Sacramento Kings looking for a young guard to build around, Immanuel Quickley could work in a trade for the Lithuanian big man, who should be ready to return from a partially-torn meniscus soon.
Nick Richards of the Phoenix Suns is a less-heralded name who has been linked to the Raptors. He would provide good depth at the center position and require significantly less in a trade than Davis or Sabonis. Richards is also making only $5 million this season on an expiring contract.
Raptors Get Concerning Injury Update On Brandon Ingram