The Toronto Raptors will have to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a decisive Game 7 without one of their biggest stars. Forward Brandon Ingram has been ruled out for Sunday's Eastern Conference first-round playoff showdown due to a sore right heel, a significant blow to Toronto's postseason hopes.

Ingram, a two-time All-Star, hasn't played since leaving midway through the second quarter of Wednesday's 125-120 loss. "The injury right now is such that he needs to rest and go easy on his heel, and we'll see where he is at after this," Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic explained before the game, leaving the door open for a potential return later in the playoffs.

In Ingram's absence, guard Jamal Shead will start for the second consecutive game. It's a tough spot for the Raptors, who were already counting on Ingram's leadership and scoring punch. During the regular season, the forward averaged 21.5 points per game and earned his second All-Star nod in his first year with Toronto. However, his postseason production has dipped to just 12 points per game so far.

The stakes couldn't be higher. The winner of Sunday's game advances to the Eastern Conference semifinals to face the Detroit Pistons, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday night in Detroit. For Raptors fans, this is a moment that tests the team's depth and resilience—and a reminder that every player's health is crucial when the pressure is on.