Raptors star Scottie Barnes is in the midst of a 2023-24 campaign. But after getting injured on Friday, he could be out for a while.
Barnes left Toronto’s 120-105 loss to the Warriors on Friday after his hand collided with the rim while trying to block a shot. The 22-year-old disappeared into the dressing room after training staff attended to him.
After hours of deliberation, the Raptors confirmed Canadian fans’ concerns: Barnes had broken a bone in his left hand.
The injury will leave Toronto short on options as the team tries to make a late push for a playoff spot.
Here’s what you need to know about Barnes’ injury status moving forward.
Scottie Barnes injury update
In the first quarter of the Raptors’ duel with the Dubs, Barnes tried to turn away a shot from Jonathan Kuminga. While doing his jump, Barnes’ left hand came off the edge.
Scottie Barnes injury
Viewer discretion recommended pic.twitter.com/jr1dyRIRvT
– BarnesMuse (@MuseBarnes) March 2, 2024
Barnes immediately held his injured hand. He was soon removed from the game and would not return.
The nature of Barnes’ injury was revealed shortly after the final whistle. He suffered a fracture of the third metacarpal bone in his left hand, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Raptors say Scottie Barnes suffered a fractured third metacarpal bone in his left hand and is out indefinitely.
– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 2, 2024
Barnes is out indefinitely and it is unclear when he might return to action. Orlando center Wendell Carter Jr. missed 20 games after suffering the same injury earlier in the campaign, and he required surgery to repair the injury.
It remains to be seen whether Barnes will need surgery for his own injury. If he doesn’t, expect his recovery to take a little less time, according to sports injury analyst Jeff Stotts:
Re: Scottie Barnes: Time lost for his broken hand will be determined by the nature of the fracture and subsequent treatment.
AVG time lost for 3rd metacarpal abnormalities that did not require surgery: 12 games (31 days)
AVG time lost for 3rd metacarpal effects requiring surgery: 18 games (41 days)
– Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) March 2, 2024
One thing is certain, however: Toronto will have a harder time progressing in the standings without Barnes on the field.
The former Rookie of the Year cemented his status as one of the league’s top young talents this year, averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists in shooting time. of 47.5/34.1/78.1. He earned his first All-Star Game selection after impressing during the first half of the season.
The Raptors (22-38) sit four games behind the Bulls for the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.
