Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (hand) has been doing some light on-court work but is still not cleared for contact. Barnes isn't using his surgically-repaired left hand in practice, which means he's not close to a return to the court for the 23-49 Raptors. At this stage of a lost season north of the border, managers should not be expecting the 22-year-old All-Star to contribute for them during the fantasy postseason. 2022 first-round pick Ochai Agbaji has started Toronto's last 12 games amid Barnes' absence, averaging a modest 8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 28.1 minutes over this span. He won't be a reliable streamer on Wednesday against the New York Knicks, who rank first in the Eastern Conference with 107.6 points per game allowed during 2023-24.

Toronto Raptors forward Kelly Olynyk didn't hit a field goal in Sunday's 111-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets but tallied four points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in 26 minutes. The final output is not the most disappointing part, since Olynyk was a very popular fantasy add in the aftermath of Scottie Barnes' (hand) setback but saw Ochai Agbaji unexpectedly hop into Toronto's starting five. Considering Charlotte was missing their two top big men, Mark Williams (back) and Nick Richards (foot), head coach Darko Rajakovic may have opted to employ a smaller first unit for matchup-related reasons. Hang onto Olynyk despite the lackluster stat line, as Jakob Poeltl (finger) is joining Barnes on the sidelines for Tuesday's tilt versus the New Orleans Pelicans. In eight starting appearances this year, Olynyk is averaging 9.5 points, 6.9 assists, 6.5 rebounds, and 0.8 treys in 26.3 minutes.

According to TSN Sports' Josh Lewenberg, Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (hand) is out indefinitely. The All-Star logged just 16 minutes in Friday's meeting with the Warriors before injuring his left hand. He didn't return. There was some confusion regarding how the injury happened. However, and most importantly, subsequent testing revealed he suffered a fracture to the third metacarpal bone. Barnes has had the best year of his career, averaging 20.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks. He's also shot 34.0% from deep, a significant upgrade from his first two seasons. Unfortunately, fantasy managers may not have him in their lineups for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign. But Kelly Olynyk, who had 16 points, 10 boards, and three steals, should get scooped off of waivers immediately, assuming he's still available.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes contributed 16 points off the bench as the Eastern Conference dominated the All-Star Game on Sunday, winning 211-186. Making his first All-Star appearance, Barnes shot 7-for-10 from the field with two makes from downtown and picked up eight rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 18 minutes. Barnes was one of four All-Star Game debutants in 2024, along with Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, and Paolo Banchero, who all suited up for the East. The 22-year-old forward has become a centerpiece for the Raptors and should have a huge finish to 2023-24. Entering the All-Star break, Barnes averaged a near triple-double over a four-game stretch, which could be a sign of things to come.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (foot), who has been taken off the injury report, saw his fourth-year team option exercised before Wednesday's regular-season opener versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. Barnes is now officially on the books with his rookie contract through the 2024-25 season before hitting restricted free agency in the summer of 2025. The 21-year-old left Toronto's final preseason game Friday with a sprained foot, but he's ready to rock for Wednesday's home opener. Barnes looks for a third-year leap in 2023-24 after Year 2 saw him fall out of the top 75 in average 9-category fantasy value, with primary ball-handler Fred VanVleet having since departed for the Houston Rockets during this past offseason.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (foot) exited Friday night's preseason finale versus the Washington Wizards. He was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the contest with what was deemed a sprained right foot. However, Barnes left with a non-contact injury, which led many to fear the worst. Fortunately, fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief, with Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic telling reporters postgame that the 2021 No. 4 overall pick is "completely fine." Barnes is expected to take on a more prominent role throughout the 2023-24 campaign now that Fred VanVleet is in Houston, including spending time at the point guard spot. Nevertheless, the 22-year-old should be out there for Wednesday's opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, barring a setback, although managers will want to monitor things over the next few days. If Barnes can't suit up, Gradey Dick and Jalen McDaniels would likely benefit the most.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (foot) won't return to Friday's preseason finale against the Washington Wizards. The 2021 No. 4 overall pick was on a roll before going down with a sprained right foot, scoring 23 points while adding six boards and two blocks. But now the question remains if he'll be ready to play when the Raptors begin the 2023-24 campaign on Wednesday versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. If Barnes can't suit up, Jalen McDaniels could enter the starting lineup.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes filled up the box score in Tuesday's 106-102 win over Chicago, scoring 22 points and recording six rebounds with three assists, two steals, and four blocks -- all of it in just 28 minutes of action and with 8-for-14 shooting. According to recent reports, the Raptors made Barnes untouchable in trade talks involving superstars Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard, and he perfectly demonstrated why on Tuesday. The 22-year-old was quiet in 2022-23 but looks ready to make noise again in the upcoming campaign. Barnes has averaged 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals across 21.3 minutes in the preseason.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes "feels good" after doing much more running this summer to improve his conditioning, per beat reporter Josh Lewenberg. Barnes says that he's also added nine pounds of muscle and weighs 240 pounds for the first time in his life. That should stimulate the fantasy hype machine a bit more during this draft season after the 2021-22 Rookie of the Year didn't take the step forward in 2022-23 some may have anticipated. With Toronto letting Fred VanVleet walk away during free agency, Barnes could spend more time with the ball in his hands this year than he has up until this point. The 22-year-old's defensive versatility already enabled to defend all five positions well, so any added strength could help him finish at the rim more effectively. Barnes is filled with upside as a top-50 pick.

Kurt Helin of NBC Sports hears that Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes is "not available" in trade discussions, particularly surrounding superstar guard Damian Lillard. While it would make sense for the former Rookie of the Year to represent something of an untouchable asset still with two years left on his team-friendly deal, Toronto may have to include some piece of their core in any potential deal if they're serious about acquiring Lillard. Barnes didn't take a step forward or backward last season in Year 2, but he could be in for a third-year leap in playmaking after Toronto's bewildering offseason saw them let franchise cornerstone Fred VanVleet walk away. The 22-year-old may only be scratching the surface of his capabilities, and Barnes could exceed top-50 fantasy value in 2023-24.

Basketball is a fast-paced game. While the court's dimensions are smaller than baseball and football fields, there is no room to relax because players must exert effort on offense and defense. NBA's Advanced Stats reveal that LaMelo Ball trumps other ballers in the distance covered, averaging 2.77 miles per game. Fred VanVleet is not far behind at 2.76.Therefore, basketball players must be in good condition to render significant minutes. Conversely, injuries are also a dime a dozen because of the extensive regular season. Failing to stay in shape could mean reduced playing time or an abrupt end to their career. But at some point, Father Time wins, no matter how much a player wants to delay the inevitable.These players have rendered extensive NBA careers but are far from the peak of their capabilities. Sadly, retirement after the 2022-23 season is a strong possibility because they are not steady contributors anymore or hardly step into the court. However, their younger teammates should pick their brains and learn from their limitless wisdom. 

Thaddeus Young

Young won the NBA Hustle Award during the 2020-21 season thanks to his accumulated hustle stats like taking screens and diving for loose balls. But that recognition is a nice consolation for a man who nearly averaged a double-double (15.1 points, nine rebounds) for the 2015-16 season with the Brooklyn Nets.https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1612227070108516355The 16-year veteran has been touted as a do-it-all player on both ends. Unfortunately, his production has significantly dropped in his second season with the Toronto Raptors. He is averaging only 4.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game through March 11. He hasn't played since, even if he is on the active roster, because of ... [More]

Basketball is a fast-paced game. While the court's dimensions are smaller than baseball and football fields, there is no room to relax because players must exert effort on offense and defense. NBA's Advanced Stats reveal that LaMelo Ball trumps other ballers in the distance covered, averaging 2.77 miles per game. Fred VanVleet is not far behind at 2.76.Therefore, basketball players must be in good condition to render significant minutes. Conversely, injuries are also a dime a dozen because of the extensive regular season. Failing to stay in shape could mean reduced playing time or an abrupt end to their career. But at some point, Father Time wins, no matter how much a player wants to delay the inevitable.These players have rendered extensive NBA careers but are far from the peak of their capabilities. Sadly, retirement after the 2022-23 season is a strong possibility because they are not steady contributors anymore or hardly step into the court. However, their younger teammates should pick their brains and learn from their limitless wisdom. 

Thaddeus Young

Young won the NBA Hustle Award during the 2020-21 season thanks to his accumulated hustle stats like taking screens and diving for loose balls. But that recognition is a nice consolation for a man who nearly averaged a double-double (15.1 points, nine rebounds) for the 2015-16 season with the Brooklyn Nets.https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1612227070108516355The 16-year veteran has been touted as a do-it-all player on both ends. Unfortunately, his production has significantly dropped in his second season with the Toronto Raptors. He is averaging only 4.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game through March 11. He hasn't played since, even if he is on the active roster, because of ... [More]

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes enjoyed a big, well-rounded game as they took down the Miami Heat by 14 points on Tuesday. The second-year forward registered 22 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and three steals, all while shooting 10-for-16 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the line. Barnes has yet to deliver on his expectations heading into this season, but he still is a big contributor in every fantasy format. The good news is that the Raptors need to depend on him to make sure they get a playoff spot, so fantasy managers won't see his usage fluctuate much down the stretch.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (wrist) could be unavailable for a second consecutive game on Friday against Detroit. He hurt his left wrist last weekend against Milwaukee and hasn't been able to practice since then. The 21-year-old also couldn't play Wednesday against Indiana, and after Barnes missed another practice on Thursday, he is regarded as questionable for Friday's contest. The Raptors are dealing with a couple of other injuries as well and it's lifted Will Barton and Chris Boucher into bigger roles.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (wrist) was forced to exit their game in the second quarter on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks. The silver lining is that the X-Rays came back clean, but he will be evaluated further on Monday just to make sure that the doesn't have to miss major time. Gary Trent Jr. replaced him in the lineup on Sunday and he would likely be the one to slot into the starting lineup again if Barnes does have to miss a game or two.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes shot 13-for-19 from the field en route to a career-high 32 points in Friday's losing effort against the Lakers. He also had nine rebounds, seven assists, and one steal during an outstanding night, although Barnes' 1-for-4 record from downtown clearly could've been better. Barnes' hands have been cold for several weeks and he hadn't scored over 20 points since Jan. 27, so he must have slept very well after Friday's game. Luckily for managers, Barnes is a versatile player who can fill the stat sheet even when his shots aren't dropping and that has kept his fantasy stock high even through his inefficient days.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes turned in his best scoring effort of the season during the team's two-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. The second-year Florida State product ended this contest with 29 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals while shooting 11-for-15, hitting his lone three, and going 6-for-7 from the line. Barnes has struggled to consistently score this season as his percentages are down from his rookie year. Over the last five games, however, he has hit an upswing as he's averaged 23.4 points per game on 55.3% shooting.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes enjoyed his Saturday night against Atlanta, racking up 27 points in a 114-103 loss with 12 rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. He led the team in both rebounding and scoring, shooting 9-for-18 from the field and hitting 9-for-10 at the charity stripe. Barnes is going through a strange spell right now, as his last five performances include three 20-point efforts but also two seven-point duds. However, he is generally busy in every area, so Barnes still has fantasy value on poor scoring nights. Things could be tricky for him offensively again in the next matchup against the Knicks, who are a very good defensive team. One of Barnes' recent seven-point outings was against New York, and he was even limited to just two points when the teams met for the first time this season.

Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes (knee) and forward Pascal Siakam (groin) will suit up for Monday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is great news for the Raptors who will finally get to pair these two together in the starting five again. The expectation is that Siakam is going to have a minutes limit during this game. That being said, Barnes and Fred VanVleet will likely be tasked with carrying the load on offense. Juancho Hernangomez and Thaddeus Young should head back to the bench, which will significantly hurt their value. Fantasy managers in season-long formats should make sure they have Barnes and Siakam in their lineups for Monday.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (knee) was able to participate in Sunday's practice session. He wasn't able to practice ahead of their last game and eventually sat out of that contest. It appears Barnes is heading in the right direction, but remains listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. His return would send Thaddeus Young to the second unit, which would significantly decrease his fantasy value.