Toronto Raptors ahead Scottie Barnes (4) talks to official James Capers after being fouled by Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (not pictured) in the course of the second half of an NBA recreation at Scotiabank Enviornment. Obligatory Credit score: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Pictures
CHARLOTTE, N.C.— Toronto Raptors ahead Scottie Barnes will miss at the least three weeks due to a proper orbital fracture, the NBA staff mentioned Wednesday.
Barnes was struck by Denver’s Nikola Jokic whereas battling for a rebound late within the fourth quarter of Monday’s house loss to the Nuggets. Barnes went down earlier than stumbling to the bench in ache.
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Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic wouldn’t say who will begin for Barnes in Wednesday night time’s recreation on the Charlotte Hornets.
READ: NBA: Raptors, Scottie Barnes agree on $225M extension
“I really feel dangerous for Scottie as a result of has put quite a lot of work in and he was simply beginning to discover the rhythm and he was enjoying very well,” Rajakovic mentioned. “That is going to be robust enjoying with out him.”
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Rajakovic mentioned he’s hoping Ochai Agbaji and Jonathan Mogbo can assist fill the void.
Barnes was a first-time All-Star final season, setting profession highs in scoring, 3-point taking pictures, rebounding, assists and blocked photographs. He’s averaging 19.3 factors, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists by 4 video games. Toronto is 1-3 to begin the yr.
The 2022 NBA rookie of the yr, Barnes signed a contract extension this summer time that might attain round $270 million if he meets supermax standards.
