A healthy dose of Lithuanian flair is coming to an Eastern Conference Finals series near you!
According to a report by Brian Windhorst of ESPN, Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas has been upgraded to a game-time decision for Monday’s Game 4 against the Cavs, and signs are that he will indeed be taking the floor.
Jonas Valanciunas (ankle) upgraded to gametime decision. Signs are that he will play tonight for Raptors vs. Cavs.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) May 23, 2016
Valanciunas has been out since suffering a severely sprained right ankle in Game 3 of Toronto’s second-round series against Miami. He was averaging 15.0 points per game, 12.1 rebounds per game, and 1.4 blocks per game this postseason before going down.
While Bismack Biyombo has thrived as the Raptors’ starting center in his absence, Valanciunas’ return to the active roster could be a big-time difference maker for Toronto. Having a dominant low-post scorer/rebounder capable of logging 25+ minutes a night may prevent Cleveland from giving major burn at the 5 to Kevin Love or Channing Frye, lineups where they have been at their peak deadliness.
Though getting Valanciunas back is unlikely to swing the series in Toronto’s favor, it should at least give them a surge of momentum as they look to win their second consecutive game against the Cavs on Monday night.
Image Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
