Toronto Raptors’ Serge Ibaka plays Boston Celtics despite sprained ankle

Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka played in crucial Game 6 Wednesday night against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Ibaka was included in the injury report with a sprained left ankle and was in a walking boot while addressing the media Tuesday.

Coach Nick Nurse said before the game that Ibaka was “fine” and there would be no limitations for him.

The Raptors will need everything Ibaka can give them, as the defending champs, down 3-2, will try to avoid elimination. Toronto lost the first two games of the series before bouncing back with OG Anunoby’s triple in Game 3 and another win in Game 4.

Ibaka, who hasn’t started any games for the Raptors in these playoffs but is a key figure from the bench, is averaging 11.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game against Boston in this series while shooting 51.2% overall and 50.0% from range. 3 points. . He also had three 20-point games in the Raptors’ first-round sweep against the Brooklyn Nets.

On Tuesday, Raptors guard Fred VanVleet said he was confident Ibaka was going to play because of how well Ibaka takes care of himself.

“Obviously we need it,” VanVleet said Tuesday afternoon. “I haven’t talked to him about how he feels or anything, but knowing him personally, I’d be surprised if he wasn’t out there. Serge is probably the best I’ve ever seen at taking care of his body and recovering and sticking to his routine. Hopefully he can feel that way again. good today and be ready for us tomorrow. “