The Toronto Raptors four-game homestand continues.
They will take on the Charolette Hornets without Scottie Barnes. He is out indefinitely with a fracture in his left hand.
According to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg, the Raptors are expecting to have a treatment plan for Barnes’ broken hand over the next few days as the All-Star is still seeing specialists.
A timeline for Barnes’ return to the court will depend on what they decide.
Ochai Agbaji will start in place of Barnes.
The Raptors will also be without Bruce Brown Jr. as he has been dealing with knee inflammation, per Lewenberg.
The Raptors could lean on Jordan Nwora, Javon Freeman-Liberty or DJ Carton from off the bench.
Also, the Raptors have called up Jontay Porter and he will dress for Toronto as a third backup big man alongside Olynyk and Poeltl.
Markquis Nowell remains out on a G League assignment for the Raptors.
The Hornets will be shorthanded as well. They will be without LaMelo Ball who is dealing with a right ankle injury. Seth Curry, Cody Martin, Mark Williams, and rookie Nick Smith Jr. have all been ruled out as well.
Rookie Brandon Miller has been listed as probable for the Hornets with a lower back contusion.
This will be an opportunity for Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett to step up and perform well as a duo. Without Barnes in the lineup, the Raptors collectively will have to make up for his production.
Gradey Dick who has been playing well lately and Ochai Agbaji should see extended playing time in this one as well.
Charlotte Hornets (15-45) vs. Toronto Raptors (22-38)
7:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, March 3, 2024
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Hornets Starting Lineup:
PG: Cody Martin
SG: Tre Mann
SF: Grant Williams
PF: Miles Bridges
C: Nick Richards
Key Reserves: Vasilije Micic, Davis Bertans
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: Gary Trent Jr.
SF: R.J. Barrett
PF: Ochai Agbaji
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Kelly Olynk, Gradey Dick, Jordan Nwora
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