Norman Powell isn’t going anywhere despite a move to the bench for Game 2.
Terrence Ross underwent the league’s concussion protocol at halftime, and while there was “no clear sign” of a concussion, he has a headache and is out for the game for precautionary reasons.
Ross hit the floor beneath the Pacers’ basket near the end of the first half and appeared shaken up. Even if there doesn’t end up being a concussion at play, it’s a good look for the team to take every precaution when it comes to a head injury (or any injury, really). Here’s the video:
Ross’s collision which saw him leave the game. pic.twitter.com/6puj1o0LH2
— Raptors Republic (@raptorsrepublic) April 19, 2016
Ross had a decent offensive showing in the first half, hitting a pair of threes in 9:40 of action, but he wasn’t particularly effective overall. And again, that shouldn’t matter with a head injury, anyway, but if you’re projecting the rest of the game, Ross hasn’t been all that great so far in the series.
Powell had already seen more run than expected when DeMarre Carroll got into early foil trouble in the first half, and the rookie was a plus-14 in 7:19 as the Raptors went on a huge run, keyed in part by the energy he and Patrick Patterson brought. Powell now stands to be the primary wing off the bench and in the team’s pet Star-plus-reserve units.
Carroll’s foul trouble, by the way, may wind up being a blessing now that Ross is out. He played 10:55 in the first half, and assuming his minutes limit is higher than Game 1’s 20, he should have some juice for the second half (though he still looks a little slow in the first half).
However it plays out, hopefully Ross is OK. Head injuries are scary stuff.
As per the concussion protocol, Ross will wait 24 hours and then go through testing once again.
