Scottie Barnes is finally nearing his return to the Toronto Raptors after suffering an orbital bone fracture in a game against the Denver Nuggets. The injury occurred when Barnes was inadvertently elbowed in the right eye by Nikola Jokic, causing him to fall to the ground in pain ¹.
Fortunately, Barnes has been able to stay in shape during his recovery, which has helped him feel more positive about his return. “I’m not really worried about this one,” Barnes said in a recent interview. “I feel great. I’m able to see great. It’s not something that I’m really worried about that much” ¹.
As Barnes prepares to return to the court, he’s been experimenting with different types of eyewear to protect his injured eye. He’s settled on a pair of goggles, which he’s still getting used to. “Sometimes when the ball is coming at you, it looks closer than what it is. It just takes time adjustment,” Barnes explained ¹.
The Raptors have listed Barnes as questionable to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his return is expected to have a significant impact on the team’s performance. Barnes’ absence has given other players, such as RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and Gradey Dick, more opportunities to shine, but his return will likely shift the team’s dynamics ¹.
*Key Takeaways from Barnes’ Return:*
– _Boost to Team Morale_: Barnes’ return will provide a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and energy.
– _Adjustments to Team Dynamics_: Barnes’ return will likely change the team’s rotation and give other players more space to operate.
– _Increased Scoring Options_: Barnes’ presence will provide more scoring options for the Raptors, making them a more formidable opponent.
Overall, Barnes’ return is great news for Raptors fans, and his new goggles will provide extra protection as he gets back into the game ¹.