Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) fouls Philadelphia 76ers guard Jimmy Butler (23) during second half, second round NBA basketball playoff action in Toronto, on Monday, April 29, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Republished May 05, 2019 - 12:41 PM
Original Publication Date May 05, 2019 - 11:26 AM
PHILADELPHIA - A day after he was listed as doubtful with a calf injury, Pascal Siakam started for the Toronto Raptors versus Philadelphia on Sunday.
The 25-year-old forward didn't practise on Saturday after suffering a calf contusion in Thursday's blowout loss to the 76ers, but was cleared to play after warming up on Sunday.
Siakam has been the Raptors' second-leading scorer through the playoffs, averaging 22.9 points per game behind Kawhi Leonard.
The forward, who's a frontrunner for the league's Most Improved Player award, said he wasn't sure when he injured the right calf, but it was the same leg he thrust out to trip 260-pound Joel Embiid in frustration in Thursday's 116-95 loss to the Sixers. Embiid's knee appeared to strike Siakam's calf.
Siakam, who had 20 points in 30 minutes, picked up a flagrant foul on the play.
The Raptors have been without sophomore forward OG Anunoby for the post-season. He underwent an emergency appendectomy two days before the playoffs tipped off.
Toronto went into Sunday's game down 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2019