Serge Ibaka suspended for tonight’s game, DeMar DeRozan will be fined

Serge Ibaka has been suspended for tonight’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. DeMar DeRozan will be fined $25,000. Both are reactions for a frisky finish with the Miami Heat.

Tuesday night, Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka engaged with Miami Heat player James Johnson, with both throwing punches at each other. The league handed down one-game suspensions for Ibaka and Johnson.

DeMar DeRozan however, was fined 25k for his behavior that game as well. DeRozan got into a brief physical exchange with Heat guard Goran Dragic after the game.

With the Cleveland Cavaliers next on the schedule, the Raptors will sorely miss Ibaka in that matchup. Maybe this suspension will be a wake-up call for Ibaka, per Raptors HQ.

"For Ibaka, his role as a multiple-time puncher (is that a word?) no doubt had a role in this decision by the league. His violent altercation with Robin Lopez last season was the most serious transgression, and it would appear he’s not shy to throw fists if challenged.That’s a shame for the Raptors, who would’ve liked to have Ibaka in the lineup to play Cleveland on national television tomorrow. With Kyle Lowry already out due to injury, the Raptors will be left with DeRozan and a supporting cast to play LeBron James and company."

Next: Mayweather speaks on #MeToo movement

The Raptors currently sit second in the Eastern Conference standings, with a 28-11 record. The Raptors will miss Serge Ibaka at both ends of the floor. Point guard Kyle Lowry is out with a back injury, so DeRozan will still be without Lowry as well. Ibaka and DeRozan In the meantime can use this time to better monitor their actions. No one generally wants to miss a game. But no one wants to lose money, either. Cleveland faces Toronto tonight at 8:00 PM.