As the Toronto Raptors prepare to take on the Denver Nuggets for the second time in five games, head coach Darko Rajakovic has provided a notable update on the status of Scottie Barnes.
Rajakovic told reporters on Monday that the All-Star forward saw a specialist for an orbital fracture injury and surgery is no longer being considered for surgery. Instead, Barnes will be re-evaluated in two weeks and his status will be updated by the team accordingly.
The 2021-22 Rookie of the Year suffered the injury against the Nuggets in overtime of what ended as a 127-125 loss. Barnes went up to collect his own miss and his face collided with the elbow of Nikola Jokic. After staying on the ground for a few moments, he walked to the sideline on his own and did not return for the rest of the extra frame. He finished the contest with 21 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, five steals and a block.
Barnes has subsequently missed the Raptors three games after that as a result.
The former fourth overall pick by Toronto in 2021 has continued to be a do-it-all player for the team this season, averaging 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, six assists and two steals through his four appearances.
Meanwhile, the Raptors have faced a slew of injuries and hold a 2-5 record in consequence. Aside from Barnes, Immanuel Quickley (pelvic contusion), Bruce Brown (arthroscopic procedure) and Kelly Olynyk (back strain) are also out.
Without a handful of its rotation available, Toronto’s offence has held its own as it’s ranked 14th but the defence has struggled to the point it’s last in the league as the team is allowing an NBA-worst 125.6 points per game.
The Raptors take on the Nuggets at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, catch all the action on Sportsnet, Sportsnet One and Sportsnet+.
