Raptors guard Fred VanVleet expected to return to lineup in Game 6

WASHINGTON – Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet was expected to play Friday versus Washington.

Coach Dwane Casey told the media pre-game that VanVleet was available.

“I don’t know what to expect, I’m sure we’ll get him in, and see how he goes,” Casey said. “The young man’s been out for how many games and how many days now, so I don’t know what to expect. But we’ll get him in.”

VanVleet suffered a shoulder injury in the Raptors’ regular-season finale in Miami. He didn’t play in Game 1 and played less than three minutes in Game 2, and hasn’t played since.

The 24-year-old was a key part of Toronto’s excellent second unit in the regular season.

The Raptors took a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven opening round series into Game 6.