Jamal

Shead

The deal runs through the 2029-30 season. A second-round pick two years ago, Shead appeared in all 82 games last year and averaged 5.4 assists off the bench. With the Raptors facing a salary cap crunch in future years, locking in Shead below the mid-level is a bet on continued growth from the 24-year-old guard.

In his second NBA season, Shead appeared in all 82 regular-season games and finished 12th in voting for NBA Sixth Man of the Year. In those appearances, he averaged 6.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.0 three-pointers, shooting 36.7 percent from the field and 78.4 percent from the foul line. The numbers did not jump off the page, but Shead provided needed depth at point guard. Fantasy-wise, his value hinges upon the availability of starting point guard Immanuel Quickley.

Despite his struggles from beyond the arc throughout the series, Shead kept firing away on Sunday. And, again, he missed a lot more than he made. However, the second-year pro managed to finish in double figures as a scorer for the third time in this series, while putting together another strong performance as a passer. His inability to consistently make Cleveland’s defense pay for allowing him open shots ultimately caused him lots of production and impacted the Raptors’ offense. He’s unlikely to be a difference-maker in fantasy leagues next season.

Ingram’s absence from the lineup leaves the Raptors in a similar situation to Game 6, needing to win without one of their best players to avoid elimination. The former Most Improved Player had struggled to score the ball efficiently, however, over the first five games of the series when he was available. Jamal Shead filled in for Ingram as a starter in Game 6’s victory, tallying seven points and six assists; he’s likely to occupy that starting spot again on Sunday.

Ingram, who sat out Friday’s Game 6 victory with an inflamed right heel, was seen at pregame shootaround with his foot in a walking boot. He’s now on track to miss a second consecutive game and has since been downgraded to doubtful. Jamal Shead moved into the starting lineup on Friday and should remain in that role as the Raptors look to become the first team to win a road game in this series.

Injured during Game 5, Ingram did not play in Friday’s Game 6 victory and wore a walking boot on his right foot. Jamal Shead moved into the starting lineup on Friday and played 33 minutes. The second-year guard should take on a similar workload if Ingram can’t play in the series decider.

With their season on the line, the Raptors will play Game 6 without the injured Brandon Ingram (heel). He has been replaced in the lineup by Shead, who contributed 18 points and seven assists in Wednesday’s Game 5 defeat. At a minimum, the Raptors will need increased production from Shead and Walter if they’re to extend the series to a decisive Game 7 on Sunday.

Ingram, who had to exit Game 5 during the second quarter with right heel inflammation, will miss what could be the Raptors’ final game of the season. A.J. Lawson started the second half of Game 5 but only played two minutes, with Jamal Shead receiving the lion’s share of the available playing time. Either one could find themselves in the starting lineup for Game 6.

Ingram had to leave Game 5 early with heel inflammation, and the injury is serious enough that it will likely keep him sidelined for the do-or-die Game 6 at Scotiabank Arena. With Ingram expected to sit out on Friday, Jamal Shead could enter the starting lineup, and A.J. Lawson could pick up some additional minutes.

Ingram exited Wednesday’s Game 5 defeat with a right heel injury that the Raptors are now describing as inflammation. While A.J. Lawson entered the lineup to begin the third quarter, he only played two minutes, with fellow reserve Jamal Shead logging 34 minutes. If Ingram can’t play on Friday, Lawson could start, but Shead stands to benefit more in terms of playing time.