The Toronto Raptors hit the practice court on Wednesday as they prepare to host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena for Game 3 of their first-round series on Thursday.
Toronto dropped the opening two games of the series in Cleveland and have now dropped 12 straight playoff games against the Cavs, dating back to the 2016 Eastern Conference Final.
Rajakovic says Quickley's hamstring continues to improve. He's on the court now getting some individual on-court work in after practice. "We'll see where he's at tomorrow."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 22, 2026
Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley missed the first two games of the series with a hamstring injury. Head coach Darko Rajakovic said Quickley’s injury is improving and is getting some individual on-court workouts.
“We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow,” said the coach.
The 26-year-old dealt with injuries during the regular season, recording 16.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists over 70 games.
Veteran centre Jakob Poeltl played only nine minutes in Monday’s Game 2 loss. He only has six points and 10 rebounds over the first two games of the series.
Rajakovic wants more from the 30-year-old big man going forward.
“He needs to be part of the solution for us. He needs to be more aggressive,” explained Rajakovic. “He needs to dominate the glass...He’s going to be a big part of Game 3 and I believe he’s going to perform really well.”
Poeltl, who missed considerable time this season with a back injury, averaged 10.7 points and 7.0 rebounds over 46 regular season games, including 44 starts.
Rajakovic did not commit to starting Poeltl in Game 3.
Rajakovic wouldn't commit to a starting C for tomorrow's Game 3. "I don't know. I've got a lot of time to think about that." https://t.co/HNOt0pquKG
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 22, 2026
Ingram looking for answers
Brandon Ingram will look to turn his fortunes around following a very disappointing start to the series.
Ingram scored 17 points on only nine field-goal attempts in Game 1. After requesting more shots, Ingram produced just seven points and a dismal 3-for-15 shooting performance from the floor during a rough Game 2 outing.
Brandon Ingram on his scoring/shooting woes: "It's tough when you feel like you're not doing job... But I like to sit in disappointment for a little bit, see where I went wrong, give myself some gratitude and then get back into the fight"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 22, 2026
“It’s tough when you feel like you’re not doing job,” said Ingram. “But I like to sit in disappointment for a little bit, see where I went wrong, give myself some gratitude and then get back into the fight.”
The 28-year-old forward, who was named an All-Star this season after averaging 21.5 points on 47.7 per cent shooting, added he still has confidence in himself and his teammates with the series coming to Toronto for Game 3.
“I’m confident I won’t miss all my shots and find a rhythm. But I’m also confident in our team. I don’t want to sit here and make this all about [me].”
Rajakovic showed his support for Toronto’s top scorer on Wednesday.
“Seven days ago he was [East] Player of the Week, everybody’s kissing him and saying you’re the best in the world,” said Rajakovic. “Now, people are trying to create a narrative that’s not there. He’s trying really hard. He did not make his shots. I’ll take those shots all over [again].”
Ingram has two seasons and approximately $80 million left on his three-year contract following the 2025-26 campaign.
