The Toronto Raptors will face the Boston Celtics on the road on Friday, January 9, but they may be without their best player.
Scottie Barnes is listed as doubtful with a right knee sprain on the official injury report. He had 17 points and four rebounds and four assists on 42.9% shooting from the field in a 97-96 loss win over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, January 7.
Barnes is having a breakout season in his fifth year in the NBA, averaging 19.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists on a career-high 50.4% shooting from the field and 34.7% shooting from three.
Is Scottie Barnes Playing Tonight?
Barnes has not missed a game this season, which makes his current injury status concerning for the Raptors. The team could be wanting to give him a rest day to prevent a possible prolonged injury.
Toronto won’t take any chances with Barnes if he is not feeling 100%. The Raptors will likely evaluate him in the hours before playing the Celtics and then make a final decision on his status. If Barnes is out tonight, Sandro Mamukelashvili will likely start in his place.
Brandon Ingram (right thumb sprain) is questionable for tonight. Jakob Poeltl (lower back strain) remains out as he continues to work his way back from injury.
Toronto Raptors Trade Rumors
The Raptors are in need of some size on the interior to pair with Poeltl once he returns and are rumored to be one of the more active teams as the trade deadline approaches.
Anthony Davis continues to be a name with a lot of buzz, but given his most recent injury, moving him could become more complicated for the Dallas Mavericks. The center would still likely cost multiple first-round draft picks, and possibly RJ Barrett, on Toronto’s end.
Domantas Sabonis is also a potential Raptor’s target who would be a good fit for the team. With the Sacramento Kings reportedly looking to acquire a young guard to build around, Immanuel Quickley could be the centerpiece in a trade for the Lithuanian big man, who should be ready to return from a partially-torn meniscus soon.
Nick Richards of the Phoenix Suns has also been linked to the Raptors and is a cheaper option than Davis or Sabonis. He is making only $5 million this season on an expiring contract.
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