For the first time in 2025-26, it looks like the Raptors will have to play without Scottie Barnes. Though the former Rookie of the Year did return to the court in Wednesday’s narrow victory over the Hornets, Barnes has been downgraded from questionable to doubtful ahead of tonight’s tilt in Boston.
It’s difficult to overstate just how much Barnes’ absence impacts Toronto. The play of the fifth-year forward is one of the major reasons the Raptors are currently 23-15 and are sitting in the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Toronto’s hallmark this season has been its defense, as the team is surrendering just 111.7 points per 100 possessions — the third-lowest mark in the NBA. Well, Barnes is the Raptors’ top defender, as the lengthy wing enters play on Friday leading the league with 106 stocks (steals and blocks).
Brandon Ingram (thumb) is also questionable to play this evening, though the forward was at shootaround this morning. With Barnes off the floor this season, Ingram’s 31.1% usage rate leads the team. RJ Barrett and Collin Murray-Boyles will also be asked to step-up with Barnes likely sidelined. Barrett scored 16 points in the fourth quarter of that aforementioned win over Charlotte, while Murray-Boyles grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds.
With the news of Barnes’ injury, Toronto is now a 10.5-point underdog against the Celtics on the DraftKings Sportsbook.
