The battered and bruised Toronto Raptors could be getting some reinforcements in the coming weeks.
Ahead of Monday's game against the Indiana Pacers, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic provided an update on the status of injured star Scottie Barnes and centre Bruno Fernando.
Rajakovic said that Barnes will be re-evaluated on Tuesday as he recovers from a broken orbital bone. The 23-year-old has returned to practice, but has been wearing a mask and was not cleared for contact as of last Thursday.
Barnes suffered an orbital fracture in a game against the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 28 and has missed the team's last 10 games. He saw a specialist after the injury, who determined that he would not need surgery to recover from the injury.
Toronto's former fourth overall pick in 2021 has continued to be a do-it-all player for the team this season, averaging 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, six assists and two steals through his four appearances.
Fernando, meanwhile, was ruled out against the Pacers on Sunday with a sprained right ankle and is now considered day-to-day, per Rajakovic.
The 26-year-old sustained the injury during the second quarter of Saturday's 126-123 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics.
After going up for a rebound, Fernando landed awkwardly on teammate Jamison Battle’s foot and rolled his ankle. Fernando was helped to the locker room but returned to finish the game.
You can watch as the Raptors look to snap a seven-game skid as they welcome Pascal Siakam and the Pacers to Toronto on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.
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