Overview
- The Raptors officially upgraded Scottie Barnes to questionable for Sunday’s game at Scotiabank Arena after he participated in part of Saturday practice, the team reported and Sportsnet confirmed.
- Toronto will re-evaluate Barnes and announce a final decision closer to the 6 p.m. ET tipoff, so his status for the game is not yet guaranteed.
- Kawhi Leonard is ruled out with left knee management and Nate Bittle remains out with a right foot avulsion fracture, leaving Barnes as the primary on-court variable for the roster.
- Barnes has missed four games since suffering a left groin strain on Nov. 4 and the Raptors went 1-3 during that stretch, dropping to a 5-7 record without him.
- If cleared to play, Barnes — averaging 23.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season — would likely change Toronto’s rotation and pose a tougher matchup for the Knicks, who start a two-game visit after two straight losses.