Toronto Raptors ahead Scottie Barnes is predicted to overlook no less than three weeks after struggling a proper orbital fracture throughout their loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday, per Andscape senior NBA author Marc J. Spears and introduced by the staff on Wednesday.
The damage occurred when Barnes was elbowed in the appropriate eye by Nuggets middle Nikola Jokic.
The timing is unlucky for Barnes, who has had a powerful final three video games after a poor opening evening efficiency. Averaging 19.3 factors, 7.8 rebounds and 6 assists thus far, Barnes has been spectacular via the primary week of the season.
Whereas Barnes has struggled from behind the arc this season, he’s making 46 p.c of his pictures general and 47.3 p.c for his profession, displaying his effectivity taking pictures the ball.
The 2021-22 Rookie of the 12 months and first-time All-Star final season, Barnes joins a protracted listing of Raptors gamers who’re presently inactive. Bruce Brown stays out indefinitely with a knee damage. Ja’Kobe Walter (shoulder) was recalled from Toronto’s G League affiliate Raptors 905 on Monday. Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) is uncertain for the Raptors recreation on Wednesday in opposition to the Hornets, whereas Kelly Olynyk (again) has been dominated out, per Sports activities Illustrated’s Aaron Rose.
With video games in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers (twice), Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics throughout Barnes’ anticipated absence, the Raptors have their fingers full. 5 of these six video games are all on the highway, which doesn’t bode properly for a short-handed staff just like the Raptors.
The grind is barely starting for Toronto because the franchise seems to get a few of its key gamers again quickly.