:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70065539/1349790030.0.jpg)
Update, Nov. 4: Scottie Barnes is set to return to the lineup on Friday vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has missed the past two games due to a thumb injury. With Barnes sidelined, the Raptors defeated the Knicks and Wizards earlier this week. The team had been starting Svi Mykhailiuk in place of Barnes.
Update, Nov. 2: Barnes has been ruled out for Wednesday’s contest vs. the Washington Wizards. The Raptors rookie is dealing with a thumb injury and the team is being rightfully cautious with its prized forward. Barnes is lighting up in the early part of the season, silencing many critics who felt he was taken too high at No. 4.
Update, Nov. 1: Barnes has been ruled out for Monday’s matchup at the New York Knicks. The rookie is dealing with a thumb sprain and will not play to start the week. With Barnes sidelined, this feels like the perfect spot for Chris Boucher to get some playing time. He’s been largely in a small bench role this season after being in contention for 6th Man and Most Improved Player in 2020-21.
Update: Barnes is starting the second half, so it looks like his injury wasn’t that serious. That’s excellent news for the small forward and the Raptors, who may have gotten a steal in the draft with the Florida State product.
Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes went to the locker room shortly before halftime in Friday’s contest against the Orlando Magic with an apparent head injury. There’s no update at the moment on his status, but we’ll see if the forward comes back out to start the second half.
Barnes went off in the first half, tallying 19 points on 8-11 shooting and grabbing six rebounds. He also had two steals and is looking like a great pick with the No. 4 selection. There were a lot of doubts about Barnes offensively when the Raptors took him but he appears to be figuring things out early in the NBA season.
If Barnes misses the rest of the game, expect Chris Boucher and Precious Achiuwa to take more minutes in the frontcourt. The Raptors might also play OG Anunoby at the power forward position in some smaller lineups if Barnes doesn’t come back.