Raptors’ Scottie Barnes out Indefinitely with Hand Injury Suffered vs. Warriors

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Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes is out indefinitely after suffering a fracture to the third metacarpal of his left hand, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

The Athletic’s Eric Koreen first reported Barnes exited Friday’s contest against the Golden State Warriors.

Barnes suffered the injury in the first half and did not return after halftime. He had 10 points, six rebounds and three assists before the injury. Barnes is averaging 20 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game this season.

The Raptors are looking for a big win over Golden State Friday night as Toronto continues to fight for a spot in the Play-In Tournament. The Raptors currently sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, four games back from the 10 seed they would need to earn a Play-In game.

Barnes has taken a big leap since his second year in the league, increasing his scoring average by nearly five points and averaging more rebounds and assists per game this year. The 2021 Rookie of the Year is looking to lead a young Raptors team after Pascal Siakam’s trade to the Indiana Pacers in January, and he’ll be looking for a swift recovery to get back on the court as soon as possible.

Toronto failed to reach the playoffs last year after losing to the Chicago Bulls in the Play-In Tournament, and the Raptors are hoping for better success this season. Getting Barnes back soon would help tremendously.

Meanwhile for the Warriors, they’re looking to continue a recent hot streak with a win over the Raptors on Friday. Golden State has won 10 of its last 12 games, but still has plenty of work to do, sitting in 10th place in the West. With Toronto losing a key player halfway through Friday’s contest, the Warriors’ chances of a win get much better.