It seems unlikely that RJ Barrett will be ready for Toronto Raptors season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Barrett is making progress in his recovery from shoulder injury, but head coach Darko Rajakovic called Barrett day-to-day. He was a limited participant in practice but still hasn’t been cleared for contact.
Barrett did comment on his injury status and said his goal is to play in the Raptors opener. However, he will see how he feels tomorrow. He said recovering from his shoulder injury has been a “work in progress,” and he wants to make sure he’s fully healed before returning, per TSN’s Josh Lewenberg.
Raptors big man Kelly Olynyk continues to be sidelined as well with a back injury. It’s an injury that has lingered for Olynyk since the preseason. It’s unclear when he will be back.
As for rookie Ja’Kobe Walter he was doing some shooting during practice but he still has not been cleared for contact. Rajakovic said that he is a week to 10 days behind Barrett.
There is no new update regarding Bruce Brown Jr. who is expected to miss multiple weeks as he recovers from offseason knee surgery.
Immanuel Quickley continues wear a brace on his left thumb. However, he returned in the Raptors final preseason game and it seems like his thumb will not impact his status to start the season.
The Raptors will take on the Cavaliers and then will host the Philadelphia 76ers who are expected to be without Joel Embiid and Paul George on Oct. 25 according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Raptors will then head on the road to take one the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 26 to kickoff their first week of regular season action.
Vince Carter to join Sportsnet broadcast for select Raptors games
Vince Carter is joining the Sportsnet broadcast.
The Toronto Raptors legend will be part of Sportsnet’s Raptors coverage for this season and will appear in select games, Sportsnet announced.
Carter will be on the Raptors season opener broadcast on Oct. 23 against the Cleveland Cavaliers and will periodically join Matt Devlin and Alvin Williams during broadcasts throughout the season.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
