Toronto Raptors provide important injury updates ahead of their final preseason game.
With several key players injured, it remains uncertain what the lineup will be for the team’s season opener.
The Raptors secured an exciting victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, even though it was just preseason action. As they prepare for their official regular season start next Wednesday, there are concerns about player availability.
Currently, both RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are sidelined due to injuries. Quickley sustained a wrist injury during the offseason, while Barrett injured his shoulder in the team’s first preseason game against Washington.
Here are the latest updates:
RJ Barrett
He encountered a tough screen during the Raptors’ Montreal game against the Wizards. He sat out for the remainder of the game, and it was later revealed that he sustained the same shoulder injury that has kept Ja’Kobe Walter out during the preseason.
Although there hasn’t been a formal announcement, it appears that RJ may have undergone a procedure on that shoulder. Fortunately, it does not seem too serious. Darko informed the media at practice on Thursday that while Barrett will not travel to Brooklyn for Friday’s game, he has not been completely ruled out for Wednesday’s opener.
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The team will re-evaluate Barrett once they return from Brooklyn. I noticed him doing some work with assistant coaches at practice on Thursday, which is a positive sign.
Immanuel Quickley
The news on Quickley is a bit more encouraging. He sustained a wrist injury before training camp even started and has yet to play in the preseason. However, he was cleared for full contact play on Thursday and participated in practice with Darko and other coaches.
When speaking to the media, he expressed that it feels good. He’s been trying out various braces to see what might be most comfortable for him as the season begins. He remains questionable for Friday’s preseason game against Brooklyn, and even if he plays, Darko mentioned it won’t be for too long.
Quickley still needs some conditioning—specifically, “getting his legs under him,” as he told the media on Thursday. He seemed optimistic and excited about finally making his debut for the season.
This is a significant year for him as he fully steps into his role as starting point guard for the team. While he pointed out to the media that he has been a PG his whole life, this is the first time he will be the primary option for an NBA squad.
He also shared how Jamal Shead and Davion Mitchell have been playfully challenging him during practices, really pushing him to excel. He mentioned they like to “talk trash” on the court, but it’s all in good fun as they maintain a competitive atmosphere. He quipped about possibly getting fined for swearing, although none of us in the scrum were bothered by it.
The practice session wrapped up with Darko standing behind me, making funny faces and heart hands at Quickley—adorable!
Hopefully, Quickley will be ready for Wednesday’s home opener, and that there won’t be any more injuries for the team leading up to that game
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