EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -Toronto Raptors point guard T.J. Ford said he’s likely to play Friday night against the New Jersey Nets in Game 6, but backcourt mate Jose Calderon wasn’t as optimistic about his situation.
Ford said a sprained thumb on his non-shooting left hand was the only injury from his collision with New Jersey’s Vince Carter in Game 5 of their first-round series on Tuesday night. Ford had to leave the game in the second quarter after experiencing pain and numbness in his neck, shoulders and arms.
“It’s a lot better day to day,” he said at Friday’s shootaround at Continental Airlines Arena. “I couldn’t move it a couple of days ago and now I have a lot of movement and flexibility in it. I think it’s a good possibility I can play.”
Calderon was still bothered by the right ankle he sprained in the final minute of Tuesday night’s game. He attended Friday’s shootaround, and still has pain when he attempts to move laterally.
“When I go straight, it’s not that bad,” he said. “It’s difficult when I try to go from one side to the other or turn. I’ll go out and test myself tonight in warmups and see.”
Calderon and Ford will be game-time decisions. If either is unable to play, Raptors coach Sam Mitchell plans to use Darrick Martin or Juan Dixon.
The Raptors trail the Nets 3-2 in the series and have lost the two games at Continental Airlines Arena.
Add A Comment