Toronto Raptors forwards Scottie Barnes is out for Game 2 of the team's first-round playoff series with the Philadelphia 76ers, coach Nick Nurse said at Monday morning's shootaround. Thaddeus Young and guard Gary Trent Jr. remain doubtful, Nurse said.
Barnes exited the Game 1 loss because of a left ankle sprain and Young was diagnosed with a hyperextension injury in his left thumb. Trent has a non-COVID illness.
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Barnes' left ankle rolled when he was stepped on by 76ers star Joel Embiid early in the fourth quarter. Barnes banged on the floor with his fists and was in considerable pain as he was helped off the court. The 20-year-old had 15 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists before leaving the game. Barnes told reporters he is feeling better, but no timeline has been provided for his return.
Young injured his thumb while going for a loose ball. Toronto lost the contest 131-111.
A contender for rookie of the year, Barnes averaged 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in 74 games in the regular season. Trent started 69 regular-season games, averaging 18.3 points and shooting 38.3 percent from 3-point range. Young averaged 6.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in 26 games after joining Toronto via trade with the San Antonio Spurs at the trade deadline.
(Photo: Mark Blinch / Getty Images)
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Scottie Barnes' injury could make Raptors playoff run feel inconsequential
What is the significance of Barnes' injury?
Eric Koreen, Raptors beat writer: Barnes is at the heart of how the Raptors are trying to build in the present and future. In this series, he is not the most important player for the Raptors. However, his health and development are perhaps the biggest priorities in the organization.
Getting Barnes meaningful minutes in a tight playoff series has tremendous value to the Raptors. If he cannot return, the inability to see him find his way amid playoff intensity would be more than just a mild disappointment for the franchise.
How do these injuries affect the Raptors' rotation?
Koreen: If both Barnes and Young are out, Nick Nurse will have to rethink his rotation. It's possible both Precious Achiuwa and Chris Boucher come in to replace Barnes and Trent. Achiuwa and Boucher have played well together, and could insert more chaos into the game.
Khem Birch should also get some minutes on Joel Embiid, while it's possible Malachi Flynn logs time to help contain Tyrese Maxey, who had 38 points in the opener.
Big picture on Barnes:
The big picture is that no matter how severe the sprain is, it’s JUST a sprain for Barnes. That says nothing about his ability to come back in this series, but limits the impact it can have to his offseason.
— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) April 17, 2022
