The Toronto Raptors are finishing off their four-game road swing in Milwaukee, and the matchup with the Bucks may come with a bigger load for RJ Barrett.
Toronto enters the game at 1-2 on the trip after losses to the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, plus an improbable comeback win over the Los Angeles Clippers on the second night of a back-to-back. Injuries have shaped the trip so far, and that same issue could carry into the meeting at Fiserv Forum.
Scottie Barnes has been added to the injury report with groin tightness, which could push even more of the offense onto Barrett. That would come on top of an already expanded role, with Kawhi Leonard sidelined by a knee injury. Barrett has responded well to the added responsibility, averaging 20.9 points per game this season and scoring at least 22 points in each game on the road trip.
Barnes has been a major part of Toronto’s offense with Leonard out, so losing him from the mix would put the Raptors in a tougher spot against a Bucks team that has only one win this season. It would take more than one player to fully replace the team’s leading scorer, but Barrett is the obvious place to start.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is expected to draw the assignment on Barrett, and his 121.5 defensive rating this season gives Toronto a clear target to attack. Milwaukee, as a whole, has struggled on that end, allowing 122.3 points per game, which ranks 27th in the league behind the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, and Chicago Bulls.
If Barnes can’t play, Barrett will need to make the most of the opening and help Toronto finish the trip with a win.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET inside the Fiserv Forum. Fans can watch on Sportsnet or stream on the SN+ app.
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