Raptors guard Lowry says he’s doubtful for must-win Game 4 due to ankle sprain

TORONTO — Kyle Lowry has probably played his last game of the season.

The Raptors’ all-star point guard, who missed Friday’s 115-94 loss with a sprained ankle, said he’s doubtful to play in Toronto’s must-win Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday.

“Right now, I don’t think I’ll be able to play,” Lowry said after Saturday’s practice.

Lowry warmed up before Friday’s game, but was limping badly and spent the night on the bench. The injury was worse when he woke up Saturday. 

“I think I made it a little bit worse by trying to work out a few times, aggravated it a little more, trying to get out there and turn and jump and run,” said Lowry, who was scheduled for injury treatment Saturday. “So it’s a little bit more sore today.

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“But I’ve still got more time. I’ve got more than 24 hours left to try to get ready to go play, but right now, it’s not looking great.”

The Cavaliers dominated in the first two games on their home floor and pulled away from Toronto in the fourth quarter on Friday to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Cory Joseph replaced Lowry in the starting lineup for Game 3 but had just four points in a 115-94 loss.

The 31-year-old Lowry, who was Toronto’s best player in Games 1 and 2 and is also the team’s best three-point shooter, is tough to replace, said DeMar DeRozan.

“The reason we are the team we are is because of Kyle,” DeRozan said. “Perfect with everything that fits, he gets us all going, the whole makeup is Kyle.”

Lowry, who missed 21 games late in the regular season after undergoing wrist surgery, is a vocal leader whether he’s on the floor or the bench.  

“He always kept us going, just to hear his voice and his input on things,”DeRozan said. “(But) physically when he’s not out there with us, that’s the most damaging part for us because we don’t have No. 7 out there when we need him to hit those big shots, to get us going, to put his mark on the game or understanding how we need to play.”

If a fifth game is necessary, it will be played Tuesday night at Quicken Loans Arena. 

Lori Ewing , The Canadian Press