Jonas Valanciunas Injury: Updates on Raptors Center's Ankle and Return

Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas hadn't played since he suffered a sprained ankle against the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 7. However, he is ready to return. 

Continue for updates.

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Valanciunas Active vs. Cavaliers in Game 4

Monday, May 23

The Raptors announced Valanciunas was active for Monday's Game 4 matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but will not start.

On Sunday, the Raptors announced Valanciunas was listed as doubtful for the matchup.

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Latest on Valanciunas' Practice Status

Monday, May 23

Blake Murphy of Raptors Republic noted Valanciunas participated in Monday's shootaround.

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Valanciunas Undergoes X-Ray

Saturday, May 7

Toronto announced a "precautionary X-ray" came back negative.

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Valanciunas Has Become Essential to Raptors

Valanciunas has gradually emerged as one of the NBA's most effective centers. In the regular season, he averaged a career-high 12.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, leading the team in the latter category and ranking third in the former.

The Raptors have plenty of depth on their roster, particularly at center. Bismack Biyombo has handled rebounding duties, as he ranked second on the team in the regular season with an average of eight per game. Kyle Lowry and DeMarre Carroll each averaged 4.7 rebounds per game, and DeMar DeRozan added 4.5 per contest.

The Raptors lean on Lowry and DeRozan for much of their production, but they will be glad to have Valanciunas' presence on both ends of the floor as they try to advance past Cleveland to their first NBA Finals.