Raptors leading scorer Scottie Barnes out with ankle sprain, to be re-evaluated in one week

Toronto Raptors leading scorer Scottie Barnes suffered an ankle injury during Monday night's game. Barnes landed on Karl-Anthony Towns' foot while attempting to block a shot, immediately falling to the ground in significant pain. Broadcast footage showed him stating "I can't feel my foot," and he required assistance to leave the court, not returning to the game. He was seen wearing a walking boot at the team facility the following day.

On Wednesday, the Raptors announced Barnes has a sprained right ankle and will be re-evaluated in one week. This update came after ESPN's Shams Charania reported earlier that day that Barnes was expected to miss "several weeks" due to the injury, though the team's announcement suggests a shorter initial assessment period. Even several weeks is considered a better outcome than initially feared.

Barnes' absence is a setback for the struggling Raptors (7-18, 14th in the Eastern Conference). He has been playing at an All-Star level this season, averaging 20.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, and serves as the primary catalyst for their offense. The team performs significantly better (+4.1 net rating) when he is on the court. However, the injury is not viewed as catastrophic for a team currently more focused on the draft than making the playoffs.

While no specific timeline for his return has been established, the Raptors are not expected to rush Barnes back from the injury.