Scottie Barnes out for Game 2 vs. 76ers with ankle sprain
Scottie Barnes missed the Toronto Raptors' Game 2 clash against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday with a left ankle sprain.
Barnes injured his ankle when 76ers center Joel Embiid accidentally landed on him during the fourth quarter of Saturday's Game 1. He remained on the court for several minutes before requiring assistance going to the locker room. Initial X-rays of Barnes' ankle were negative, and an MRI on Sunday diagnosed the injury as a sprain.
"I thought it was going to be bad, man," Barnes said. "I hit the ground, and I was like, 'Damn. It's just the beginning, just getting started.' But, afterward, I was just still trying to have positive thoughts and keep myself into it."
Barnes, who attended his media session Monday in a walking boot, says he's improving daily but doesn't know when he'll be able to return.
"Might be soon. We just have to see. Feeling better, though, each and every day," Barnes said.
The Rookie of the Year candidate averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 74 regular-season games. Barnes also looked comfortable in his first playoff action before going down, posting 15 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and one block in 31:34 of action.
Gary Trent Jr. and Thaddeus Young are available for Game 2, according to Sportsnet's Blake Murphy. Trent was dealing with a non-COVID-19 illness and missed Monday morning's shootaround, while Young sprained his thumb in Game 1.
The Raptors enter Game 2 trailing the 76ers 1-0 in the best-of-seven first-round series.