Raptors’ RJ Barrett Leaves Celtics Game with Ankle Injury
RJ Barrett, the Toronto Raptors’ starting guard, left the game against the Boston Celtics with a left-ankle injury. This incident occurred midway through the fourth quarter, forcing him to exit and be ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Details of the Injury
As Barrett drove and attempted to spin past Celtics’ player Sam Hauser, he twisted his left ankle, resulting in a fall to the court. His immediate reaction was one of pain, prompting teammates to assist him as he left for the locker room.
Game Performance
Prior to his injury, Barrett had contributed significantly to the game with 19 points, four rebounds, and seven assists over 28 minutes. Unfortunately, the Raptors ended up losing the match 125-117.
Injury History and Current Status
- Barrett has already missed 15 consecutive games this season due to a right-knee sprain.
- He returned to play on December 28 and participated in six of seven games since then.
- This season, Barrett averages 19.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, with a career-best true shooting percentage of 58.8%.
Team Implications
The Raptors are currently managing a series of injuries. They were already missing Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, both dealing with knee injuries, and starting center Jakob Poeltl, who is sidelined with a back issue. Barrett’s potential absence could jeopardize the team’s performance, given their current record of 23-16.
Performance Without Barrett
Toronto has shown mixed results without Barrett. This season, they hold a 16-6 record when he plays, compared to just 7-9 without him. The Raptors face a critical period ahead, and Barrett’s health will be essential for their hopes of success.
