Raptors star Scottie Barnes is in the midst of a breakout 2023-24 campaign. But after suffering an injury Friday, he could be sidelined for some time.
Barnes left Toronto's 120-105 loss to the Warriors on Friday after his hand collided with the rim as he attempted to block a shot. The 22-year-old disappeared into the locker room after training staff attended to him.
After hours of deliberation, the Raptors confirmed Canadian fans' concerns: Barnes had fractured a bone his left hand.
The injury will leave Toronto short of options as the team attempts to make a late push for a spot in the postseason.
Here's what you need to know about Barnes' injury status going forward.
Scottie Barnes injury update
In the first quarter of the Raptors' duel with the Dubs, Barnes attempted to swat away a Jonathan Kuminga shot. While making his leap, Barnes' left hand caromed off the rim.
Scottie Barnes injury
— BarnesMuse (@MuseBarnes) March 2, 2024
Viewer discretion is advised pic.twitter.com/jr1dyRIRvT
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 was fractured the third metacarpal bone in his left hand, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Raptors say Scottie Barnes has sustained a fracture to the third metacarpal bone of his left hand and is out indefinitely.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 2, 2024
Barnes is out indefinitely, and it is unclear when he could return to action. Orlando center Wendell Carter Jr. missed 20 games after suffering the same injury earlier in the campaign, and he had to undergo surgery to repair his injury.
It remains to be seen if Barnes will need surgery on his own injury. If he doesn't, expect his recovery to take slightly less time, per sports injury analyst Jeff Stotts:
Re: Scottie Barnes: Time lost for his broken hand will be decided by the nature of the break & subsequent treatment.
— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) March 2, 2024
AVG time lost for 3rd metacarpal fx's that didn't need surgery: 12 games (31 days)
AVG time lost for 3rd metacarpal fx's that needed surgery: 18 games (41 days)
One thing is certain, though: Toronto will find it harder to make gains in the standings without Barnes on the floor.
The former Rookie of the Year cemented his status as one of the best young talents in the league this year, averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists on 47.5/34.1/78.1 shooting splits. 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.
