Scottie Barnes is nearing a return to action.
The 23-year-old is questionable to play on Nov. 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy.
Barnes has been cleared for contact and was a full participant in practice today. He wasn’t wearing a mask and was trying on different eyewear, per TSN’s Josh Lewenberg.
Barnes said his eye is feeling better. There is no pain, but his eye is still noticeably red. Barnes’ plan is to play in goggles just to be safe, per Lewenberg. “It’s for sure going to take some getting used to,” Barnes said.
Barnes has missed 11 straight games for the Raptors with an orbital fracture he suffered on Oct. 28 against the Denver Nuggets when he got inadvertently hit in the face by a Nikola Jokic elbow. If Barnes doesn’t play against the Timberwolves, there seems to be a good chance he would be ready for Toronto’s next game on Nov. 24 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Ja’Kobe Walter is also questionable to play against the Timberwolves as he recovers from his AC joint injury. Bruce Brown (knee), Kelly Olynyk (back), Immanuel Quickley (elbow), Bruno Fernando (ankle) and DJ Carton (ankle) all remain out.
RJ Barrett makes Raptors history with latest performance
RJ Barrett made Toronto Raptors history in the team’s win over the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 18.
Barrett scored a season-high 39 points, which is the most ever by a Canadian in a Raptors jersey.
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