Scottie Barnes, the Toronto Raptors star, has been out for 11 games due to an orbital fracture he suffered on October 28 against the Denver Nuggets ¹. The good news is that his status has been upgraded to questionable ahead of Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Barnes mentioned that he no longer feels pain but will wear goggles for protection ¹.
The Raptors are eagerly awaiting Barnes’ return, as they’ve struggled with a 2-9 record in his absence ¹. The team is also dealing with injuries to Bruno Fernando, Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Immanuel Quickley, making Barnes’ return even more crucial ¹.
*Injury Details*
Barnes’ orbital fracture occurred when Nikola Jokic’s elbow accidentally hit him in the right eye during the game against the Nuggets ¹. The injury required no surgery, but Barnes has been working to regain his fitness and adjust to wearing goggles for protection ¹.
*Return Timeline*
While there’s no official confirmation on Barnes’ return, the Raptors will closely monitor his progress during Thursday’s shootaround and warm-ups ¹. If he’s not cleared to play against the Timberwolves, his next possible return date could be Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers ¹.
*Impact on the Raptors*
Barnes’ return will undoubtedly boost the team’s morale and energy. His presence will also alleviate some pressure on RJ Barrett, who has been shouldering the scoring responsibilities in Barnes’ absence ¹. With Barnes back in the lineup, the Raptors will look to turn their season around and improve their 3-12 record ¹.
Keep an eye on the Raptors’ official website and social media channels for updates on Barnes’ status and potential return to the court.
