Brandon

Ingram

Ingram and Niederhäuser, who have not played this season, continue to make progress in their respective recoveries. While both have been cleared to play 5-on-5, they won’t travel with the team to Phoenix for Tuesday’s game against the Suns. The Clippers play two home games to end the week; leaving Ingram and Niederhäuser in Los Angeles gives them more time to rehab at the team facility.

Murray quotes Ingram as saying, “Whenever I feel ready. I still gotta do some more 5-on-5 and get comfortable on the floor, comfortable jumping and doing stuff that I do normally on the floor. It’s going to take a little time.” Fantasy managers rostering Ingram could have him back in the coming weeks, but until he’s back, Keaton Wagler and Max Strus should enjoy elevated roles.

Following Wednesday’s home game against the Lakers, the Clippers will play their next two on the road. Ingram is progressing in his recovery from a partially torn Achilles, but he will remain in Los Angeles to continue his rehab.

This is a major blow for the Clippers as they enter the post-Kawhi Leonard era. During his media availability, Ingram said he’s considered week-to-week. With BI on the shelf, Max Strus, Keaton Wagler and Gradey Dick are all candidates to see increased run. The rookie Wagler has the most upside and makes for a fine, late-round selection in fantasy drafts.

The trade, which was agreed upon on June 30, was held up due to an ongoing investigation surrounding salary cap circumvention by the Clippers in regard to paying Leonard. Sanctions have been levied in that matter, and the two teams will proceed with the blockbuster deal.

While Ingram had an excellent first season in Toronto, the Raptors did not hesitate to reunite with Kawhi Leonard when the opportunity presented itself. He appeared in 77 regular-season games for the Raptors, the most since his rookie season, posting averages of 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 three-pointers while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 82.0 percent from the foul line. Ingram does not offer the same all-around skill set as Leonard, but he’ll slot into the spot within the Clippers’ starting lineup. As long as he’s available, Ingram can approach top-50 fantasy value, but the injury history usually pushes his ADP down a round.

Ingram had to exit Toronto’s first-round series against the Cavaliers during Game 5 due to right heel pain, and he did not play in Games 6 and 7. What first became an issue during the regular season, the veteran wing was found to be dealing with a bone spur that was removed via surgical procedure on Friday. According to the Raptors, Ingram is expected to be healthy and available when training camp opens in late September.

Ingram’s absence from the lineup leaves the Raptors in a similar situation to Game 6, needing to win without one of their best players to avoid elimination. The former Most Improved Player had struggled to score the ball efficiently, however, over the first five games of the series when he was available. Jamal Shead filled in for Ingram as a starter in Game 6’s victory, tallying seven points and six assists; he’s likely to occupy that starting spot again on Sunday.

Ingram, who sat out Friday’s Game 6 victory with an inflamed right heel, was seen at pregame shootaround with his foot in a walking boot. He’s now on track to miss a second consecutive game and has since been downgraded to doubtful. Jamal Shead moved into the starting lineup on Friday and should remain in that role as the Raptors look to become the first team to win a road game in this series.

Injured during Game 5, Ingram did not play in Friday’s Game 6 victory and wore a walking boot on his right foot. Jamal Shead moved into the starting lineup on Friday and played 33 minutes. The second-year guard should take on a similar workload if Ingram can’t play in the series decider.