UPDATE: Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett will be sidelined for at least another week following a platelet-rich plasma injection in his sprained right knee, the team just announced. This injury, sustained during a game on November 23, occurred when Barrett landed awkwardly after a dunk in the third quarter.
Barrett has already missed eight games and will be out for a minimum of two more weeks before he is reevaluated. This is a significant blow for the Raptors, who have struggled recently, losing five of their last six games. Barrett is averaging 19.4 points per game, the third-highest on the team, but this marks his lowest scoring average since the 2020-21 season. Despite this setback, Barrett is enjoying a career-best shooting percentage of 50.6% from the floor.
The Raptors, currently holding a record of 15-10, are preparing to host the New York Knicks in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup in-season tournament on Tuesday. A win would propel them into the semifinals on Saturday. However, a loss means they will face the loser of the Miami-Orlando matchup on a yet-to-be-scheduled date.
Fans and teammates will be closely monitoring Barrett’s recovery, as his absence adds pressure on the team to perform without one of their key players. The Raptors need to rally quickly to regain momentum in the tournament and secure their playoff ambitions. Stay tuned for updates on RJ Barrett’s condition and the Raptors’ upcoming games.
