RJ Barrett Out at Least Another Week After Knee Injection
URGENT UPDATE: Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett is set to miss at least another week of action following a platelet-rich plasma injection in his sprained right knee, the team confirmed Monday. Barrett sustained the injury during a game on November 23, when he landed awkwardly after a dunk.
Barrett’s absence marks a significant blow for the Raptors, who are struggling with a 15-10 record and have lost five of their last six games. The 23-year-old has already missed eight games and will be reevaluated after sitting out at least two more this week.
Despite the setbacks, Barrett has been productive this season, averaging 19.4 points per game, which is the third-highest on the team but reflects his lowest scoring average since the 2020-21 season. Notably, he boasts a career-best shooting rate of 50.6% from the field.
The Raptors face the New York Knicks in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup in-season tournament on Tuesday. The urgency is palpable as a victory will propel them into the semifinals on Saturday. A loss, however, means they will face the loser of the Miami-Orlando matchup on a yet-to-be-scheduled date, putting more pressure on the team as they navigate Barrett’s absence.
As fans eagerly await Barrett’s return, the Raptors must rally to stay competitive in this crucial tournament stage. The next week will be pivotal for both Barrett’s recovery and the Raptors’ aspirations in the league. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
