The Toronto Raptors will take it easy with RJ Barrett on Monday night.
The 6-foot-6 Canadian has been ruled out for “load management” as he works his way back from a knee injury, the organization stated Monday. He will miss the second game of a back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Barrett returned Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder and played 43 minutes, scoring 23 points in Toronto’s double-overtime loss. It looks like a cautious approach considering Barrett’s high workload.
Expect Bruce Brown Jr. to return to the starting lineup with Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Immanuel Quickley. Brown had previously stood in for Barrett, who had missed three games with the knee ailment.
Toronto will also be missing Jontay Porter, who continues to suffer from back spasms. He’d been playing as Toronto’s backup centre with Poeltl out, but Poeltl’s comeback may push Porter altogether from the rotation whenever the 24-year-old does return to action this season.
Javon Freeman-Liberty, Kira Lewis Jr., and Markquis Nowell all stay on G League assignments with the Raptors 905.
For New Orleans, Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Larry Nance Jr. are all questionable to play.
Williamson played 35 minutes on Friday for the Pelicans after missing New Orleans’ previous game. He’s now suffering from a left foot ailment.
Jones has missed two consecutive games for New Orleans with right adductor stiffness.
Nance, in the meantime, has missed one game with left ankle pain.
Malcolm Hill, EJ Liddell, and Dereon Seabron are all on G League assignments with the Pelicans.
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