NBA: Raptors’ Scottie Barnes leaves game with right ankle sprain

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) is helped off the court after suffering an injury during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, in Toronto, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)

TORONTO — Toronto forward Scottie Barnes left the Raptors’ game against the New York Knicks on Monday night midway through the third quarter because of a sprained right ankle.

Barnes was helped off the court by teammates before hopping to the locker room, unable to put weight on his right foot.

After Toronto lost 113-108, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said initial X-rays on Barnes’ foot did not reveal a fracture.

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The 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year, Barnes will be evaluated again Tuesday morning, Rajakovic said. Toronto’s next game is Thursday at Miami.

Barnes was injured when he landed on New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns while battling for a defensive rebound with 6:47 left in the third quarter. Barnes scored 15 points in 23 minutes before exiting.

Barnes missed 11 games earlier this season because of a right orbital fracture and has worn protective glasses since returning Nov. 21. Toronto went 2-9 without him.

READ: NBA: Scottie Barnes to miss at least 3 weeks due to orbital bone fracture

A first-time All-Star last season, Barnes signed a contract extension this summer that could reach around $270 million if he meets supermax criteria.

Barnes came into Monday’s game averaging career highs of 21 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.8 assists.