Jonas Valanciunas could return for Raptors vs. Cavaliers

TORONTO – Sidelined Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas – out since Game 3 of the Miami series – is inching closer to a return and could be available for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.

Asked if Valanciunas will play, Raptors coach Dwane Casey said, “We’ll see.”

Casey also noted his starting center is still in some pain, but there is reserved optimism within the organization that Valanciunas will try to play on Monday. However, the Raptors will not force the issue either, especially if the medical staff does not believe he is ready to return.

Valanciunas, who hasn’t played since May 7, is officially listed as questionable. In 9½ playoff games this season, Valanciunas was Toronto’s most reliable player, averaging 12.8 points and 9.1 rebounds and shooting 55% from the field.

Bismack Biyombo has played well in Valanciunas’ absence, averaging 9.4 and 11.9 rebounds in the past seven games as the starting center. Valanciunas return would give Toronto added depth and provide Cleveland with matchup problems.