Raptors forward Scottie Barnes already missed three weeks earlier in the season with an orbital bone fracture, and he could be staring down another absence after going down with an apparent foot injury against the Knicks on Monday night.
Barnes landed awkwardly on his right foot while contesting a Karl-Anthony Towns layup attempt and hopped back to the locker room without putting weight on his right leg. He was called for the foul on Towns.
Scottie Barnes and Karl-Anthony Towns get into a collision, resulting in Scottie hurting his right foot.
Hopefully it’s nothing serious. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/VVROtaMjwn
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) December 10, 2024
The 23-year-old wing, now the focal point of a rebuilding Raptors franchise, earned his first All-Star selection last season and signed a max contract extension in July.
Here’s what you need to know about Barnes’ injury and his status going forward.
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Scottie Barnes injury update
Barnes did not return with what the Raptors called a right ankle sprain. X-rays were negative, ruling out a fracture for now, but the severity isn’t yet known. He grabbed the middle of his foot after landing on the court.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes has suffered a right ankle sprain, team says. Barnes is out for the remainder of the game against the New York Knicks. pic.twitter.com/0sfw4VFFym
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 10, 2024
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Video appeared to show Barnes telling Raptors trainers that he couldn’t feel his foot immediately after the play.
“I CAN’T FEEL MY FOOT” 😳
Scottie Barnes needed to go to the locker room after injuring his foot
Him and Karl-Anthony Towns collided
Hope he’s alright 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QBmuEWnTZD
— CourtSideHeat (@courtsideheat) December 10, 2024
Barnes returned from an orbital bone fracture on Nov. 21 and had been playing exceptionally well, averaging 23.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 9.1 assists over his past seven games entering Monday’s contest. Any extended absence would likely derail Barnes’ hopes of a second consecutive All-Star selection or an All-NBA selection, considering he already missed 11 games.
From a standings perspective, the Raptors likely don’t have intentions of winning anything significant this season. At 7-18, their best hope from this season might be a strong lottery position, which could net them either Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper. Long-term, though, they want to see Barnes keep himself as healthy as possible. Toronto committed to building around the Florida State product after trading Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, he’s played like an All-Star when on the court.
The Raptors are 5-9 with Barnes this season, including Monday’s loss, and just 2-9 without him.