Scottie Barnes (center) missed the Raptors’ loss in Game 2 because of his left ankle injury.
The Toronto Raptors are likely to be without rookie Scottie Barnes for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series with the Philadelphia 76ers tonight (8 ET, NBA TV). Barnes is officially listed as doubtful because of the sprained left ankle he suffered in Game 1 of the series.
Barnes was at Raptors shootaround on Wednesday morning and not in the walking boot he was sporting during shootaround on Monday morning. Raptors coach Nick Nurse told reporters that Barnes is recovering well and when asked if there was any chance Barnes could play Wednesday, he said, “maybe.”
#Raptors‘ Scottie Barnes is doubtful for Game 3 vs. #Sixers with a sprained left ankle despite Nick Nurse’s “maybe” comment about his playing status.https://t.co/sHy8GNRovM via @phillyinquirer
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) April 20, 2022
Barnes suffered the ankle injury during Game 1. While contesting a shot from Joel Embiid, Barnes’ ankle buckled as Embiid came down on top of his foot. Barnes had to be helped off the court with 9:06 left in the game. The Raptors later said he suffered a left ankle sprain and would not return. X-rays on his injury after the game were negative.
Barnes sat out Monday’s Game 2 against Philadelphia, a 112-97 loss.