RJ Barrett
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RJ Barrett is listed as questionable on the official injury report for th e Toronto Raptors' game on Friday, January 23
TheToronto Raptors will face thePortland 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 theofficial 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 theBoston 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 sprainhe 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) andJa’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 apartially-torn meniscus, is a name that has emerged more recently who would also be a good fit in Toronto. TheSacramento Kings, however, arereportedly interested in sending the Lithuanian big man to Golden State in a trade forJonathan 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 arereportedly open to dealing Barrett, Poeltl orImmanuel Quickley.