The Toronto Raptors season is likely coming to a close following Joel Embiid's incredibe game-winning shot in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. The only thing that remains is when that will happen. Will it be Game 4 against the Sixers, or will the Raptors muster the strength to at least push the series back to Philadelphia?
Well, if Toronto is going to keep their season alive, they likely will have to do it without rookie Scottie Barnes. Raptors coach Nick Nurse was asked if the status of the series will play any factor in the potential return of Barnes.
Nurse says the status of the series isn’t a factor in Barnes returning. “If he’s ready to play, we’ll play him.” Says this group needs playoff games together, and would like to get him more experience. Barnes had 15-10-8 in 31 minutes before getting hurt in Game 1. https://t.co/bhTutXNbW8
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) April 22, 2022
Nurse said that Barnes was doubtful to play in Game 4, according to ESPN NBA writer Tim Bontemps. He would go on to say “If he's ready to play, we'll play him.” That is basically coach speak for he is not playing.
The Raptors entered this series as one of the more popular upset picks of the first round of the playoffs. Part of that was the consistency that the 76ers have underperformed in the post season. Also, Toronto was one of the best teams in the NBA against winning clubs this year.
But in Game 1, the rising star in Barnes, sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter after Embiid appeared to accidentally step on his foot. To Philadelphia's credit, they were already cruising in that game. So, to say that Barnes' absence is the reason the series is 3-0 is not truly believable.
Nevertheless, the Raptors season is all but over. Depending on which Toronto team shows up in Game 4, Barnes' season might also be done.
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