CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes will miss at least three weeks because of a right orbital fracture, the team said Wednesday.
Barnes was struck by Denver’s Nikola Jokic while battling for a rebound late in the fourth quarter of Monday’s home loss to the Nuggets. Barnes went down before stumbling to the bench in pain.
The Raptors said in a statement that Barnes would be reevaluated in three weeks, “and his condition will be updated as appropriate.”
“I feel bad for Scottie because has put a lot of work in and he was just starting to find the rhythm and he was playing really well,” Rajakovic said. “This is going to be tough playing without him.”
Jonathan Mogbo started in Barnes’ place Wednesday night and had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in 25 minutes in a 138-133 loss at the Charlotte Hornets.
Barnes was a first-time All-Star last season, setting career highs in scoring, 3-point shooting, rebounding, assists and blocked shots. He is averaging 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists through four games. Toronto is 1-3 to start the year.
The 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year, Barnes signed a contract extension this summer that could reach around $270 million if he meets supermax criteria.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Source: www.espn.com