A.J.

Lawson

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.

Lawson’s availability will provide Toronto with perimeter depth. He’s played in all three games thus far in the playoffs, totaling 21 minutes and one made field goal.

Lawson, who played just two minutes in Thursday’s Game 3 win over the Cavaliers, is dealing with back spasms. His availability does not significantly affect the Raptors’ perimeter rotation, even with Immanuel Quickley out for the rest of the series.

Mamukelashvili was held out of Wednesday’s win over the Pacers, leading the Raptors to go small whenever Collin Murray-Boyles wasn’t on the floor. Mamu’s likely return may result in fewer minutes for A.J. Lawson, who logged 17 on Wednesday.

This will be a second straight absence for Walter, who had been starting prior to this hip injury. However, with Brandon Ingram (thumb) back, Walter would only be playing a small role off the bench if he was available. A.J. Lawson should take on a few extra minutes.

No word has been given on why Agbaji will be sidelined. However, the Raptors will have AJ Lawson back on Thursday, and he can step into a few more minutes.

Two days after being waived by the Raptors, Lawson has returned to the franchise on a two-way deal. In three NBA seasons, the 6-foot-6 wing has appeared in 83 games, including 26 for the Raptors last season. He’ll likely see most of his playing time with the Raptors’ G League affiliate, which would not impact fantasy basketball.

While Lawson is under contract for the 2025-26 season, it does not become fully guaranteed until January 10. Performances like the one he produced on Sunday may go a long way toward ensuring Lawson hits that guarantee date. He didn’t miss a shot from the field against the Magic and helped spark a defense that featured six players with at least two steals. Given Toronto’s wing depth, Lawson’s chances of achieving fantasy relevance next season are slim. However, there may be streaming opportunities when considering the injury history of some players ahead of him in the pecking order, including Brandon Ingram.