Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes. John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Raptors forward Scottie Barnes trying to stay positive after ankle injury

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 4/18/22

Toronto Raptors rookie forward Scottie Barnes is trying to keep his spirits up after an ankle sprain took him out of the Game 1 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers and has led him to being ruled out for Game 2.

"I’m still a very positive, happy human being," Barnes told the media on Monday while rocking an ankle boot. "Just taking it one day at a time."

Barnes is wearing a walking boot on his left foot, says he’s not sure about timeline but is feeling better with each day. pic.twitter.com/Td9F1vMAyu
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 18, 2022

Scottie Barnes: “I’m still a very positive, happy human being. Just taking it one day at a time.”
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 18, 2022

Barnes exited in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game after Philadelphia big man Joel Embiid inadvertently stepped on his left foot while driving to the basket. Barnes immediately fell over in pain and had to be helped off the court.

Barnes said he initially feared the worst when Embiid came down on his foot. “I thought it was going to be bad. I hit the ground and I was like, damn, it’s just the beginning and I’m just getting started. But after I was just trying to have positive thoughts.”
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 18, 2022

The fourth pick in last year's NBA Draft, Barnes is coming off of a monster rookie season with Toronto. He ended his first NBA regular season averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 74 games. He was named a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award for his efforts.

Tipoff between Raptors and 76ers in Game 2 is slated for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday.

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