Raptors' Quickley Out for Game 1 with Hamstring Strain

Cleveland, Ohio - Toronto Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley will sit out Game 1 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday afternoon, sidelined by a mild right hamstring strain suffered in the regular-season finale against Brooklyn on April 12.

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic announced the decision less than two hours before tipoff at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, confirming Quickley remains day-to-day despite progress in his recovery. Quickley, listed as questionable entering the day, had already missed eight games late in the regular season due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot. He told reporters earlier this week that he was unsure if the injuries were connected but emphasized focusing on treatment to return soon. "Just day-to-day. Trying to take care of myself so I can be back on the floor with my teammates," Quickley said.

With Quickley out, second-year guard Jamal Shead will start alongside forwards Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram, and center Jakob Poeltl. Shead, who has started 12 games this season while averaging 6.6 points and 5.4 assists, steps into a larger role opposite Cleveland's dynamic backcourt of...