PG Immanuel Quickley is listed as questionable for Saturday’s Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game at 1:00 p.m. ET.
After sustaining a hamstring injury late in the regular season, Quickley’s status for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoff bout is unsteady.
Below, we'll break down the latest Immanuel Quickley injury update, if Quickley will play today, and who to target on PrizePicks if he sits.
Make your NBA Playoff picks on PrizePicks — including ones on Raptors vs. Cavaliers and other Saturday games.
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Immanuel Quickley Injury Update: Is Quickley Playing Today vs. Cavaliers?
Quickley is officially questionable for Saturday, April 18’s game vs. Cleveland. He’s the only player listed on the injury report, carrying a “right hamstring strain” designation.
The veteran PG played just 16 minutes in the Raptors’ regular-season finale against the Brooklyn Nets before exiting and not returning. In the aftermath of the 136-101 blowout win, the team dubbed him day-to-day with the ailment.
There hasn’t been a significant update on Quickley’s availability, hinting at a potential decision being made closer to game time on Saturday. The 26-year-old has also dealt with back, ankle, and foot injuries earlier this season.
Despite fighting through discomfort at times, Quickley was able to play in 70 games and pour in 16.4 points each night on 44.3% shooting. His 3-point efficiency (37.4%) is a major part of Toronto’s offensive attack.
As Quickley’s status continues to be monitored, you can make picks on his PrizePicks projections if he does play. Some of his top ones include 11.5 Points, 2.5 Rebounds (Goblin), 4 Assists, and 18.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts.
What Players to Target on PrizePicks if Quickley Is Out?
If Quickley is unable to suit up for Game 1 against the Cavs, how could the Raptors be impacted? When he’s off the court, the team’s offensive rating falls from 117.6 to 114.9, a 2.7-point decline. With that said, its defense also improves by 3.4 points, giving him a net -0.7 on-off.
That isn’t to discount Quickley’s contributions, however. The offense flows smoothly with him out there, and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses (1.3 steals per game) is critical.
In the event of Quickley missing Saturday’s contest, three particular players could benefit from increased roles. The most obvious candidate is PG Jamal Shead, who appeared in all 82 regular-season games and averaged 6.6 PPG on 22.6 minutes each time out.
Don’t forget about backup SG Ja’Kobe Walter, though. The second-year man put up 7.5 PPG during the regular season and is a sniper from deep, shooting 40.9%. According to databallr, his usage rate climbs by 3.0% and he puts up 3.3 more points per 75 possessions without Quickley.
Last, but certainly not least, is PF Scottie Barnes. The leader of the Raptors on both ends, Barnes’ usage jumps by 2.3% and he nets 2.1 more assists per 75 when Quickley is off the court. The All-Star forward could carry an even heavier workload if his floor general remains hurt.
Here are the Raptors players who may benefit most on PrizePicks if Quickley is out, as well as their stat projections for today.
- Jamal Shead vs. Cavs Projections: 5.5 FG Attempted / 1.5 Rebs / 4.5 Asts
- Ja’Kobe Walter vs. Cavs Projections: 6.5 Points / 2.5 Rebs / 0.5 Asts (Goblin)
- Scottie Barnes vs. Cavs Projections: 17.5 Points / 7 Rebounds / 6.5 Asts
Given the direct minutes that’d become available if Quickley sits, it’s natural to look to Shead’s projections as ones to consider on Saturday.
Pick More or Less on Raptors player stats on PrizePicks now before 1:00 p.m.’s tip.
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Make Raptors vs. Cavaliers NBA Playoff Picks on PrizePicks
Immanuel Quickley is questionable for Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, and the game is just hours away. Even if he sits on Saturday, there are plenty of projections available for hoops fans to take advantage of.
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