Toronto Raptors are one game away from playoff elimination and it seems they won't have their superstar point guard Kyle Lowry tonight. Lowry suffered an ankle injury which forced him to miss the third game of the series, and he will most likely be sidelined for the second straight game. The Raptors will have a hard time stopping the Cleveland Cavaliers from an eventual sweep since Lowry is their second best player.
Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to lose a game this postseason, and all of their wins against the Raptors were blowouts. Missing their playmaker will make things extremely difficult for them since they don't have a suitable backup for him.
In game 3, which Kyle Lowry also missed, Toronto was blown out by 21 points. They stood no chance against the defending champions and the team completely collapsed in the fourth quarter. Can they do a better job tonight?
Kyle Lowry is essential to the team
Despite his slow start of the playoffs, Kyle Lowry bounced back and had a couple of big games for the Raptors. The point guard averaged 22.4 points and 7.0 assists during the regular season, and his last four games were incredibly efficient as he averaged 17.3 points and 7.5 assists per game. He also shot 53.5 percent from the field, 50 percent from the long range and 84.2 percent from the free throw line. Against the Cavaliers, Lowry had two 20-point games, and he was arguably the best player on his team.
“I’m probably doubtful. Hopefully some things change, but right now, I don’t think I’ll be able to play,” Lowry commented about his status for the next game. Without him on the floor, it is questionable if the Raptors can prevent the Cavaliers from beating them, or even blowing them out. Kyle Lowry is a key piece of the team and Toronto simply can't compete with him on the bench.
Lowry's final chapter in Toronto?
Kyle Lowry might not play for the Toronto Raptors ever again, as he has a player option on his contract for the next season. Lowry spent his last five years playing for the Canadian team, but this could be his final chapter and he might decide to move on. Even though he's turned into a superstar in Toronto, the Raptors haven't had much success in the playoffs and the point guard may want to win a championship ring.
Lowry has as $12 million player option for the next year, and with increased salary cap, there is no doubt that he deserves more money. It is very unlikely that he will opt-in for the final year of his contract since his market value is much higher. If he doesn't play tonight, which is improbable, game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers could be the last game Kyle Lowry played for the Raptors.
