While the Raptors earned a gritty Game 4 win over the 76ers to avoid being swept, they lost Fred VanVleet in the process.
Just before halftime of Toronto's 110-102 Game 4 victory, VanVleet exited the game with an apparent leg injury. VanVleet did not return to the game and his injury was later ruled as a left hip flexor strain, placing uncertainty around his status for the remainder of the series.
MORE: How Raptors have found new life against Sixers
Will VanVleet be in action when the Raptors host the 76ers in Game 6 on Thursday? Here is the latest on the status of the All-Star guard.
Why is Fred VanVleet not playing tonight vs. the 76ers?
After being originally listed as doubtful, VanVleet is out for Game 6.
VanVleet has officially been ruled out for tonight.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 28, 2022
VanVleet, who spoke with reporters during shootaround ahead of Monday's Game 5, said that an MRI did not reveal a serious issue.
According to Sportsnet's Michael Grange, VanVleet is not ruling out a return later in the series but is more likely to return if the Raptors advance to the second round.
Fred VanVleet is out vs. Sixers for Game 5 due to hip flexor strain. Told me there is no visible bruising or swelling, but sounded doubtful he would be ready for Game 6 Thurs. (if necessary). He said if Raptors come back he's optimistic he could be ready for the second round.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) April 25, 2022
In the first three games of the series, VanVleet averaged 16.7 points, 7.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds but shot just 35.4 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from 3-point range. VanVleet registered five points, three assists and two rebounds before exiting Game 4.
Toronto, which now faces a 3-2 series deficit, looks to become the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series.
What channel is Raptors vs. 76ers on?
- Date: Thursday, April 28
- TV channel (Canada): TSN 1/4
- TV channel (United States): NBA TV | NBC Sports Philadelphia (76ers' region)
- Live streaming: TSN Direct (Canada) | Sling TV (U.S. only)
Raptors vs. 76ers will air on TSN 1/4 in Canada. Matt Devlin will call the game alongside analyst Jack Armstrong.
Viewers can stream Raptors vs. 76ers on TSN Direct.
In the United States, Game 6 of the first-round series between the 76ers and Raptors will be broadcast on NBA TV. Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Greg Anthony (analyst) and Nabil Karim (reporter) will be on the call.
MORE: How will Embiid be impacted by thumb injury?
In the 76ers region, viewers can watch a local broadcast of Game 6 on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Viewers can also stream 76ers vs. Raptors on Sling TV.
Viewers in the U.S. can stream every NBA playoff game live on SLING TV. With the SLING Orange Sports Extra package, get $10 off your first month now with access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT and NBATV. NBA Playoff games on ABC are simulcast on ESPN3, which is included with SLING Orange, available for $35 per month including $25 the first month for new subscribers.
MORE: Watch the NBA playoffs on Sling TV (U.S. only)
What time does Raptors vs. 76ers start?
- Date: Thursday, April 28
- Time: 7 p.m. ET | 4 p.m. PT
Raptors vs. 76ers Game 6 is scheduled to tip-off shortly after 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 28. The game will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Raptors vs. 76ers series schedule
Here is the schedule for the remainder of the first-round series between the Raptors and 76ers.
(All times Eastern)
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel (Canada) | TV channel (United States) |
| April 28 | Game 6 | 7 p.m. | TSN | TNT |
| April 30 | Game 7* | TBD | Sportsnet | TNT |
*if necessary
