The Toronto Raptors will face the Portland Trail Blazers on the road on Friday, January 23, and they may be getting one of their best players back from injury.
RJ Barrett has been upgraded to questionable with a left ankle sprain on the official injury report. The last time he played, on January 9, he had 19 points, four rebounds and seven assists on 40% shooting from the field and 60% shooting from three in a 125-117 loss to the Boston Celtics.
Barrett is having another strong season in Toronto, averaging 19.6 points, five rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 49.6% from the field and 35.5% from three.
Is RJ Barrett Playing Tonight?
Barrett has missed the last seven games with a left ankle sprain he suffered in the loss to Boston. His current injury status is a positive sign for the Raptors, as he appears to be trending in the right direction in his recovery.
Toronto, however, won’t take any chances with Barrett if he is not feeling 100%. The team will likely evaluate him in pregame warmups and then make a final decision on his status. If Barrett is out again, Jamal Shead will likely start in his place.
Collin Murray-Boyles (left-thumb contusion) is also questionable. Jakob Poeltl (lower back strain) and Ja’Kobe Walter (right hip pointer) remain out for tonight.
Toronto Raptors Trade Rumors
The Raptors are rumored to be one of the more active teams looking to improve their roster ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. They are in need of some size on the interior to pair with Poeltl once he returns or an upgrade altogether at center.
Anthony Davis continues to be a name with a lot of buzz, and he could still be moved before the deadline. The big man may not be back until the start of the postseason, however, and the Raptors would be taking a gamble if they acquire him.
Domantas Sabonis, who recently returned from a partially-torn meniscus, is a name that has emerged more recently who would also be a good fit in Toronto. The Sacramento Kings, however, are reportedly interested in sending the Lithuanian big man to Golden State in a trade for Jonathan Kuminga.
In a deal for either Davis or Sabonis, one of Toronto’s key rotation members and some first-round picks would likely have to be included in the deal. The Raptors are reportedly open to dealing Barrett, Poeltl or Immanuel Quickley.
Raptors Get Major Injury Update On RJ Barrett