The Toronto Raptors and the Detroit Pistons are scheduled to take on each other tonight at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Raptors are currently sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 42-32 record and are still fighting for a playoff position.
So, they need all their players, including Brandon Ingram, as healthy as they can be with almost three weeks left in the regular season.
Is Brandon Ingram Playing Tonight Against the Pistons?
According to Yahoo Sports, Ingram is questionable for tonight’s game against the Pistons with heel inflammation as of five hours ago. He was a last-minute scratch against the Utah Jazz on March 23 and did not play against the Orlando Magic on Sunday, March 29.
“It’s really not a big concern over here. It just flared up. It’s something that we are going to take a look at and see how he feels tomorrow. But I don’t think it’s going to be anything (serious),” Raptors HC Darko Rajakovic said.
However, Toronto Raptors NBA beat reporter Josh Lewenberg reported at 3:57 p.m. CST that he is still questionable due to heel inflammation.
Typically, on an injury report, if you see questionable, that means there is a 50% chance that a player might play, but we have to see how Ingram feels during his pregame workout. If Ingram is not able to play against the Pistons tonight, that gives more playing time opportunities to players such as Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Gradey Dick.
The Raptors’ playoff prospects depend heavily on Ingram’s health, so it may be wise to keep him on ice for the time being. Toronto doesn’t want to lose ground and fall into a play-in situation as well.
However, the possibility of this becoming more serious is a bit concerning, especially as the Raptors get deeper into the season. The team has to determine the fine line between what needs to be done and what doesn’t.
Brandon Ingram Discusses His Transition to the Toronto Raptors
Last month, two-time All-Star Ingram sat down with NBA insider and podcaster Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson to discuss signing with the Toronto Raptors.
When asked about signing his extension, Ingram shared: “It’s really cool. There is so much love every time I step into the arena, when I’m walking outside, or even just heading into my building,” he added.
“Whether we win or lose, the fans spread that love everywhere. I think that’s special, especially for our group, because it helps us keep going. I’m definitely happy to be here.”
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Ingram also spoke about the culture shock of now living in Toronto full-time. “Biggest culture shock in Toronto? Let’s see… honestly, I don’t know right now. I can’t quite put my finger on one thing yet! [Laughs].”
Finally, he shared what it’s like playing with fellow All-Star Scottie Barnes:
“He just has a great feel for the game on both ends. He knows when to push the pace and when to slow it down. He’s a leader on defense, he’s extra active, and he can really pass the ball. It’s not hard to play with a guy like that. You don’t often find a player with that high an IQ who cares about both sides of the ball and can fill the stat sheet,” Ingram shared.
“Our chemistry is easy. We talk, but honestly, we don’t have to say much unless there’s a specific look we need. He’ll tell me, “B.I., we need you on defense here,” or “We need this,” and he can take critiques just as well as he gives them. It’s a great relationship.”
