Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett, who suffered a right knee injury during Sunday’s win over the Brooklyn Nets, underwent medical imaging on Wednesday that revealed no structural damage, the team announced.
RJ Barrett To Miss At Least Four More Games
Barrett has been diagnosed with a knee sprain and will remain sidelined for at least four more games after sitting out on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Barrett sustained the injury in the third quarter on Sunday. He stole an inbounds pass and sprinted down the court for a two-handed breakaway slam, but grimaced when he landed and left the game shortly after.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic said on Monday that imaging on the injury appeared “promising” and that Barrett would be considered day-to-day moving forward.
The Raptors said Barrett will be reevaluated in seven days. This means he’ll likely miss Toronto’s next four games, including Wednesday night’s meeting with the Indiana Pacers.
Raptors Acquired Barrett From Knicks
Toronto acquired Barrett from the New York Knicks in December 2023. The Raptors traded Precious Achiuwa, OG Anunoby, and Malachi Flynn in exchange for Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
In 58 games (all starts) with Toronto last season, Barrett averaged career highs of 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per contest while shooting 46.8% from the floor and 35% from 3-point territory.
Through 17 appearances (all starts) this season, Barrett is averaging 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 30.9 minutes per outing with a shooting line of 50.6/35.6/72.5.
Per Spotrac, Barrett is earning $27.7 million this season and is slated to make $29.61 million in 2026-27. This is part of the four-year, $107 million contract he signed with the Knicks in 2022.
Ja’Kobe Walter Could Receive Increased Playing Time
Second-year wing Ja’Kobe Walter took Barrett’s spot in the starting lineup on Monday and is now expected to receive an increased role. Walter’s 24 minutes against the Cavs were a season high.
In 15 appearances off the bench (one start) this season, Walter is averaging career lows of 4.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 14.6 minutes per game while shooting career bests of 43.4% from the field and 40.5% from deep.
The Raptors selected Walter with the 19th overall pick in the 2024 draft.
In Toronto’s 110-99 win over the Cavs on Monday night, Brandon Ingram scored 15 of his season-high 37 points in the third quarter, leading the Raptors to their eighth straight victory.
Toronto swept the season series for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign.
