Scottie Barnes has been ruled out against the Charlotte Hornets.
The 23-year-old will remain in Toronto and will continue to undergo medical assessments. Barnes’ condition will be updated tomorrow, according to Sports Illustrated’s Aaron Rose.
Barnes was injured on a play late in the fourth quarter when he took an inadvertent elbow from Nikola Jokic to the right eye. He had to be helped to the Raptors bench, before heading to the locker room and did not return to the game.
Barnes was in the midsts of an outstanding performance against the Nuggets. He put up 21 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists and a career-high 5 steals. The Raptors went on to lose the game against the Nuggets in overtime 127-125 when RJ Barrett missed a game-winning three-point shot.
This is unfortunate news for a Raptors team that has been hit with the injury bug early. The team got Barrett back who returned from his AC joint sprain and now lose Barnes. It’s unclear how much time Barnes will miss.
With Barnes out, expect Ochai Agbaji to be back in the starting lineup. Agbaji had started three games for the Raptors to open up the season with Barrett sidelined. He has played well as of late, hitting his shots with consistency.
Immanuel Quickley remains doubtful as he works his way back from a pelvic injury he suffered on opening night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown remain out for the Raptors as well.
The trio of Barnes, Quickley and Barrett have not played together since March 1. With Barrett back and Quickley nearing a return, hopefully Barnes isn’t out for too long. The Raptors cannot afford to lose their star for an extended period of time.
Nikola Jokic praises Scottie Barnes
The Raptors put up a strong effort against the Nuggets but fell short in overtime.
After the game, Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic had high praise for Barnes.
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