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Toronto Raptors will likely have to avoid sweep without Kyle Lowry

By Paul Taylor

Mar 16, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Injured Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) watches as head coach Dwane Casey looks on during a timeout against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Air Canada Centre. The Thunder beat the Raptors 123-102. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Injured Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) watches as head coach Dwane Casey looks on during a timeout against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Air Canada Centre. The Thunder beat the Raptors 123-102. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Toronto Raptors are going to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, they will probably have to achieve it without the services of their three-time All-Star point guard, Kyle Lowry.

The Toronto Raptors are already facing an uphill battle, in their attempts to get back into their best-of-seven series versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. Staring at a 3-0 deficit, they are struggling to cope with an inspired LeBron James, who has never looked better.

Unfortunately for the Raptors, their attempt to avoid being swept has now potentially turned into an episode of Mission Impossible. That’s because, if they’re going to find a way to win on Sunday, they will probably have to do it without Kyle Lowry.

As reported by Eric Koreen of The Athletic, Lowry thinks he aggravated his left ankle injury by trying to work out in the lead up to Game 3. Speaking to Koreen and other members of the media, he said:

"“I’m probably doubtful (for Game 4). I don’t think I’ll be able to play…It’s not looking great, but I’m not giving up on it.”"

This is understandably bad news for the Raptors, as the three-time All-Star is arguably their best player. And while he is renowned for his toughness and will do anything possible to play, he has already struggled with injury this season, after missing 21 games due to undergoing wrist surgery.

Lowry suffered his latest injury early in the third quarter of Game 2, after a collision with teammate Norman Powell. Although he did quickly return to action, he spent the fourth quarter icing his ankle in the locker room.

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The Raptors may take some solace by knowing they played their best game of this series without the 31-year old. However, after staying with the Cavaliers for three quarters, they faded away in the final period of Game 3.

Assuming Lowry does miss Sunday’s game and the Raptors lose, it will result in another interesting storyline. With him set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, will he have played his last game in a Toronto uniform?

You imagine the 2006 first round draft pick would like to return next season. However, Masai Ujiri and the rest of the front office will have to decide how much money they are willing to invest in an excellent, but aging player.

Of course, Raptors’ fans will be hoping this question can be kept on the sidelines for a little longer. However, this will require their team beating the Cavaliers on Sunday – with or without Lowry.

Next: Why the Raptors can't escape the Cavaliers' trap

Even without Lowry, the Raptors held their own against the Cavaliers in Game 3 – at least for three quarters. Assuming he is absent again on Sunday, how realistic is it to expect Toronto to avoid the sweep? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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