Toronto Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas Listed Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury

The Toronto Raptors clinch a crucial victory in Game 3 against the Miami Heat, but how long will they be without their big man, Jonas Valanciunas?

The Toronto Raptors regained home court advantage against the Miami Heat, with a tense but exciting win on Saturday evening. This game really did have it all, as fans for both sides went through a roller coaster ride of emotions.

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Dwyane Wade turned back the clock with a sensational 38-point effort, showing once again he is one of the best when it comes to raising your game in pressure situations. This was best exemplified by four threes, an impressive feat, when you consider he only had seven during the entire regular season.

However, it was Kyle Lowry who had the final word, as he finished with 33 points, including 29 during the second half. Toronto will be hoping this performance marks the return to form of their All-Star point guard.

Along those lines, the Raptors will also have their fingers crossed that Jonas Valanciunas will be back sooner rather than later. He left Game 3, after suffering an ankle injury early in the third quarter.

Despite understandably wanting to return, Valanciunas was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. The good news is that x-rays came back negative.

For now, the former fifth overall draft pick has been listed as day-to-day, with Dwane Casey confirming there was no structural damage. The Raptors coach remains hopeful his big man will be available for Monday night, but realizes they must prepare for the strong possibility he will be out.

Speaking to the Toronto Sun‘s Ryan Wolstat and the rest of the media, Valanciunas said he’ll have a clearer picture on Sunday: “It’s swollen, we’re gonna see tomorrow how it is and we’ll play it by ear.”

May 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) and Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) exchange words during the first quarter in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

It goes without saying, but the 24-year old’s loss would be a big blow, with him proving his importance to the team during these playoffs. The Raptors had a 13-point lead when he left the game, thanks in large part to his third double-double of the series.

Certainly, DeMar DeRozan appreciates the value of his teammate, as he told Wolstat and the rest of the media: “You can get a bucket, you just throw it down.

“That’s what the playoffs comes down to sometimes, is just throwing the ball, getting it in, letting someone get a bucket. That’s what JV’s been doing for us, he’s been very big for us.”

As much as you wouldn’t wish injury on anyone, Valanciunas’ potential loss could be balanced out by the absence of Hassan Whiteside, who also left Saturday’s game, after suffering a twisted right knee. He will get an MRI on Sunday, but the early indications are it isn’t looking good for Game 4.

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If Valanciunas is unable to play in Game 4, how do you think his absence will impact the outcome? Do you believe Lowry is now back on track, and what are you expecting from DeMar DeRozan? Let us know in the comments section below.

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