Scottie

Barnes

Barnes is available after being listed as questionable on the initial injury report. He’ll take on his usual role within the Raptors’ starting lineup, with Ja’Kobe Walter missing out on a potential spot start.

Barnes, who struggled in Wednesday’s loss to the Pelicans, is dealing with an illness. If he’s unable to play on Friday, Ja’Kobe Walter is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup.

Barnes had a rough night at the office scoring-wise, as he shot 1-of-6 from three-point range. Category league managers can take solace in the rebounds, assists and steals. But this was a disappointing effort for someone who has ranked among the most valuable players in fantasy basketball this season, regardless of format. The Raptors return home for games on Friday and Sunday to complete Week 20.

Barnes had his first game with at least 20 points since February 8 against the Pacers, a span of 11 games. The 24-year-old has leaned on his more varied skillset to provide fourth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Raptors take on the Pelicans on Wednesday.

Barnes finished Sunday’s 30-point victory with a complete stat line, recording those numbers efficiently. In addition to shooting 50 percent from the field, the All-Satr forward committed just one turnover in 35 minutes. The ability to fill a stat line consistently has made Barnes one of the best players to roster in category leagues, and that should remain the case for years to come.

While Barnes continues to hit double figures in the points category, his production in some other categories has slipped since the All-Star break. In six games, the All-Star forward has averaged 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.5 blocks while shooting 48.7 percent from the field. Barnes has been close to a top-25 player in eight-cat formats during this stretch, according to Basketball Monster, so the fall has not been a steep one. But he’s capable of doing more than he has in recent games.

Barnes was dealing with a thigh contusion but fully participated in Monday’s practice. He isn’t listed on the initial injury report for Tuesday’s game against the Knicks, a clear sign that the All-Star forward will be available.

Barnes went through Monday’s practice, but he’ll carry a questionable designation due to a thigh bruise. If Barnes is ultimately ruled out, Ja’Kobe Walter could replace him in the starting five, making him worth a look as a deep-league streamer.

Barnes recorded a complete stat line on Wednesday despite suffering a right quad contusion during Toronto’s loss to the Thunder the night prior. The good news for him and those who have Barnes rostered is that the Raptors will have a little more time off, as they don’t play again until Saturday against the Wizards. And that should be a big night for him, given the Wizards’ ongoing rebuild.

Despite suffering a right quad contusion during Tuesday’s loss to the Thunder, Barnes has been cleared to play against the Spurs. He’ll take on his usual roles as one of Toronto’s offensive focal points and the team’s top on-ball defender.