Raptors scoring leader Brandon Ingram leaves game injured at Charlotte

Toronto Raptors scoring leader Brandon Ingram exited his team’s game against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday after 1.5 quarters due to a right thumb sprain and the team said he would not return.

The good news was X-rays were negative, according to TSN Raptors sideline reporter Kayla Grey. Ingram had scored only six points in his 11 minutes, shooting 2-for-7 as part of a struggling Toronto offence. Ingram had reached while defending star Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel.

Acquired last February but unable to suit up until this pre-season due to a severe ankle injury suffered in December, 2024, Ingram had been remarkably durable in his first months as an active Raptor. He had said he prided himself on being in the lineup every night. Ingram and franchise player Scottie Barnes were the only Raptors to suit up for the first 38 games of the season.

The run of 38 straight games played was the third-longest of Ingram’s career, surpassed only by 72 in a row to start his time with the Los Angeles Lakers after being drafted second overall and 46 consecutive in his fifth year, while with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Ingram played in only 18 total games last season, but has bounced back to average 22.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists while playing perhaps the best defence of his career to help spark the Raptors to a good start to 2025-26.

Sophomore wing Ja’Kobe Walter started the second half in place of Ingram.

Toronto finishes a short road trip Friday in Boston with a game against the Celtics before hosting the Philadelphia 76ers for consecutive games Sunday and Monday.