The Raptors currently find themselves in a hole to pull themselves out of with playoffs approaching at a rapid pace. While direct playoff qualification looks like a long shot, play-in is not entirely out of the question.
While being 3.5 games behind from the 10th place Hawks, Raptors need to go on a string of dubs to have any chance of making play-ins. But now with Scottie Barnes sidelined, the task got even harder from here and out.
Scottie Barnes out indefinitely with fractured hand
On Friday night, the Raptors not only lost the game to the Warriors by 120-105 but also lost their key player Scottie Barnes due to an injury in the second quarter. The franchise announced after the game that Barnes fractured the longest bone of his left hand which connects the middle finger to the wrist, the third metacarpal bone.
According to injury analyst Jeff Stotts, he will miss 12 to 18 games depending on the nature of the break and whether it needs surgery or not. Judging by the severity, this could potentially be a season-ending one.
The 2022 ROTY, who appeared in the NBA All-Star Game 2024 for the first time, is averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting at 47.5% from the floor and 34.1% from the 3-point range in the 60 games he has played so far.
The Raptors are currently in the 12th position of the Eastern Conference table having a 23-38 win-loss record. With Barnes’ unfortunate injury and indefinite return, the Raptors’ chances of making it to the play-ins look shaky.
How was Scottie Barnes hurt?
During the second quarter of the game between the Warriors and the Raptors, Stephen Curry passed the ball to teammate Jonathan Kuminga who attempted for a basket. To block the shot, the 22-year-old Barnes jumped and hurt his hand on the basket rim. He cried out loud due to the agonizing pain.
Barnes soon left the floor immediately running towards the seats and entered again to commit a foul. He was eventually subbed off in the final minute of the second quarter.
Darko Rajakovic said, “Obviously when you lose an All-Star player in the game, that definitely changes a lot of things.” Steph Curry’s remarkable performance won the Warriors the game which could have been different with Barnes’ presence.
The Warriors forward Draymond Green, after praising Stephen Curry, showered some praises on Scottie Barnes too following the game. The 34-year-old said, “Scottie is an incredible player.” Calling him a “special talent,” Green said that he has the ability to leave a mark in the sport.
Despite having six weeks left in the regular season, the Raptors’ chances of bouncing back without Barnes look very slim.
