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The top Toronto Raptors player was back in the lineup for Thursday’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Barnes had missed 11 games with a fractured right orbital bone suffered during a scramble for a rebound with Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic but looked “really good” after his first full contact practice since the injury on Wednesday, according to Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic. Rajakovic started his pre-game media availability Thursday with a smile and a prediction: “I know the first question.” Rajakovic then simply said “yes,” but everyone knew he was referring to whether or not Barnes would play.
Barnes, an all-star for the first time last season, before being shut down in March due to a hand injury, has averaged 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists in his four appearances, including a win over Philadelphia. Toronto went 2-9 without Barnes. With the Wolves game, four of his five appearances so far this season have come at home.
“My eye is pretty good. It’s a little red, but that don’t mean nothing. It feels good,” Barnes had said at practice.
The Raptors also planned to welcome back rookie wing Ja’Kobe Walter, who had missed the previous six games after re-aggravating the shoulder injury that cost him training camp and the first five games of the year.
The team continues to be without starting point guard Immanuel Quickley and veterans Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk, amongst others.
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