Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes is out for Game 3 of their playoff series with the Philadelphia 76ers, but the wait for his return won't be too long.
According to Raptors coach Nick Nurse, there is a possibility that Barnes plays in Game 4 at home. He has recovered well from his ankle injury, with the removal of his walking boot and lack of noticeable limp all good signs in his progress.
Nurse said earlier that Barnes was a “maybe” for Game 3, but before taking on the Sixers on Wednesday, he gave a clear update on their rising star.
“He's pretty good. He's been able to do some things, but not to the level of letting him go tonight. Still very encouraging. I would certainly assume he'll be ready for the next one,” the Raptors tactician said, via CP24.
This is certainly great news for the Raptors, who are missing Scottie Barnes' offensive production. The 20-year-old would have reached a triple-double in Game 1 against the Sixers had he not been injured.
Barnes suffered an ankle injury late in the game after Joel Embiid stepped on his foot. He was eventually ruled out for the rest of the contest with nine minutes to play, and it forced him out of Game 2 in Philly.
Hopefully, though, the Raptors can extend the series and give more time for Barnes to contribute. If Toronto falls to the Sixers 3-0, Barnes' potential return in Game 4 on Saturday could also be his last game of the season.
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