Brandon Ingram will miss Game 7 against the Cavaliers due to right heel inflammation. The Raptors coach confirmed his absence shortly before the game, with the series tied 3-3.
Key points
Brandon Ingram is out for Game 7 due to injury.
The Raptors coach confirmed his absence before the game.
The series against the Cavaliers is tied 3-3.
Ingram had heel inflammation affecting his performance.
During pregame media availability, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said Ingram will not face the Cavs with the best-of-seven first-round NBA playoff series tied 3-3. The reason is right heel inflammation.
Ingram sat out the second half of the Raptors' loss in Game 5 because of the heel issue, which also, at times, interfered with his 2025-26 regular season. He was also inactive for Game 6, which the Raptors won to force Game 7.
The Raptors initially listed Ingram as questionable to face the Cavs in Game 7, but they downgraded him to doubtful early on the afternoon of May 3. Then Rajakovic ruled out Ingram less than two hours before the scheduled 7:30 p.m. tipoff for Game 7.
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Q&A
What is Brandon Ingram's injury status for Game 7 against the Cavaliers?
Brandon Ingram has been ruled out for Game 7 due to right heel inflammation.
Why is Brandon Ingram not playing in Game 7?
Ingram is sidelined because of right heel inflammation that has affected him throughout the playoffs.
When did Brandon Ingram's injury occur?
Ingram's injury occurred during Game 5, where he sat out the second half due to heel issues.
What is the current series status between the Raptors and Cavaliers?
The series is tied 3-3, making Game 7 a critical matchup for both teams.
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May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 01: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers lays on the court after a play against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots layups before game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
1 / 6
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
1 / 6
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
2 / 6
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
3 / 6
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) tries to defend during the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
4 / 6
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 01: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers lays on the court after a play against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
5 / 6
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
6 / 6
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 6 photos
May 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots layups before game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) rebounds as Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley swats at the ball Nov. 13, 2025, in Cleveland.
Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) rebounds as Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley swats at the ball Nov. 13, 2025, in Cleveland.
Cavs vs Raptors Game 7 injury report
The Cavs did not include any players on their injury report for Game 7. It doesn't mean the Cavs are completely healthy, though.
For example, shooting guard Sam Merrill (right hand/finger) and center Jarrett Allen (right knee tendonitis) have been playing hurt throughout the series.
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.