The Toronto Raptors’ injury report for Friday’s game against the LA Clippers is lengthy. Four players are on the inactive list, while four more have uncertain statuses. R.J. Barrett (ankle), Ja’Kobe Walter (hip), Jakob Poeltl (back) and Chucky Hepburn (G League) will not play.
Jamison Battle (ankle) is unlikely to play after getting a doubtful tag. Garett Temple (back), Immanuel Quickley (back) and Sandro Mamukelashvili (illness) are questionable.
The Toronto Raptors have nine players who are not listed on the report. They will need to greenlight a few to play to meet the NBA’s minimum of 12 players on the active list.
The LA Clippers are just about as hobbled as the visiting team. Bradley Beal (hip), Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring), Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) and Chris Paul (not with the team) are all out. Ivica Zubac (ankle), Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and John Collins (groin) are all questionable.
It will be interesting to see which players are cleared to play, so both teams can hit the minimum number of players available to play.
Toronto Raptors’ versatile forwards will play
Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram have arguably been the Toronto Raptors’ best players this season. Ingram leads the team in scoring with 21.9 per game. He is also contributing 6.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
Meanwhile, Barnes, who has been the engine of the offense, is putting up 19.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 5.4 apg. The 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year winner might be Toronto’s most versatile and dependable player.
While the Raptors have a long list of injuries, Barnes and Ingram’s availability gives them a 1-2 punch to rely on.
Collin Murray-Boyles is also injury-free. The rookie from South Carolina has been an underrated contributor to the Toronto Raptors this season. He is a bundle of energy who plays much bigger than his 6-foot-7 frame. With Jakob Poeltl out and Sandro Mamukelashvili questionable, the Raptors will need the bruising forward to help the veterans.
Immanuel Quickley gives Toronto Raptors big boost if cleared to play
While it’s Scottie Barnes who is the fulcrum of the Toronto Raptors offense, Immanuel Quickley has been just as important. Quickley is the team’s best pressure breaker with his speed. The cat-quick point guard also leads the team with 6.1 apg.
The Raptors are much tougher to defend with Quickley’s ability to attack the rim to score or set up teammates. If he is cleared to play, he can give the Raptors a big boost.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball and college baseball.
