Brandon

Ingram

While Ingram shot just over 50 percent from the field, he missed all four of his free-throw attempts in an underwhelming showing in New York. For fantasy managers in active leagues, BI did provide solid value in rebounds and assists, but he’s certainly had better nights. With the Raptors still needing to win on Sunday to guarantee that they avoid the Play-In tournament, Ingram should play starters’ minutes against the Nets.

Ingram put on an offensive clinic on Thursday, helping the Raptors complete a sweep of the season series with the Heat for the first time since 2018-19. In addition to the 38 points, the slender forward recorded seven rebounds and seven assists in one of his better all-around efforts of the season. The Raptors moved into fifth in the East with their win over the Heat; two wins would keep them ahead of Atlanta because of the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Since totaling 70 points in wins over the Suns and Pistons in mid-March, Ingram entered Tuesday having recorded one 20-point game in his last eight appearances. That dry spell coincided with Immanuel Quickley’s absence due to a foot injury, so getting IQ back on the court Tuesday night was huge for Ingram. In addition to the efficient scoring, he offered solid value in rebounds, assists, steals and three-pointers.

Ingram’s impact was somewhat muted on Sunday, and he’s now scored 18 points or less in five of his last six appearances. Add in Scottie Barnes’ recent struggles and Immanuel Quickley’s foot injury, and the Raptors are limping to the finish line. With the Raptors still working to avoid the Play-In tournament, Ingram’s availability should not be an issue in Toronto’s four-game Week 24.

Ingram’s line was unspectacular, yet productive, given his limited minutes in the blowout victory. The former Most Improved Player shot the ball well and was just as effective as a passer and rebounder. However, fantasy managers will certainly hope for more from Ingram in Sunday’s fantasy basketball finale when the Raptors face the Celtics, a team that Ingram is averaging 27.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists against in two games this season.

Ingram is back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Kings. As a result, Jamal Shead heads to the bench, where he becomes less valuable to fantasy managers.

With Wednesday’s game being the second in as many nights for the Raptors, Shead was inserted into the starting lineup with Brandon Ingram out. The second-year guard was solid, with the 16 points being the most he’s scored in a game since a January 11 game against the 76ers in which Shead put up 22. Add in the assists, defensive contributions and percentages, and Wednesday was a good night for the few streaming Shead. His fantasy value for the rest of Week 23 depends on the statuses of Ingram and Immanuel Quickley. And with the Raptors not having another back-to-back, there’s no need to add Shead.

Ingram will unsurprisingly sit out the second leg of this back-to-back as he continues to manage a heel injury. Jamal Shead joined the starting unit in Ingram’s latest absence, and he should return to the opening lineup for this game.

Ingram was a late scratch for Sunday’s win over the Magic, but returned Tuesday with 22 points in the loss to the Pistons. The 28-year-old small forward didn’t do much else in his 31 minutes, adding just one rebound and one three-pointer. The Raptors still have three games left in Week 23 for Ingram to have a more complete game.

Ingram missed Sunday’s blowout win over Orlando, but he will be back to take on Detroit. Ja’Kobe Walter started that game in his place but will be pushed back to a reserve role for this one.