Raptors' RJ Barrett suffers left ankle injury in loss to Celtics

Toronto Raptors wing RJ Barrett suffered a left ankle injury in late in the fourth quarter of Friday’s eventual loss to the Boston Celtics, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca.

According to Lewenberg, Barrett turned his left ankle and appeared to be in a good deal of pain as he limped back to the locker room. He was formally ruled out for the remainder of the game and will undergo additional testing, Lewenberg adds.

The injury occurred when Barrett stepped on Sam Hauser‘s foot, causing his ankle to roll, via Sportsnet.ca. The 25-year-old guard/forward, who missed extended time earlier this season due to a right knee sprain, finished with 19 points, seven assists and four rebounds in 28 minutes.

Toronto was already short-handed entering Friday’s game, as starters Jakob Poeltl (back), Scottie Barnes (right knee sprain) and Brandon Ingram (right thumb sprain) were all sidelined. It was Poeltl’s ninth straight absence, though he’s said to be close to returning and went through a light practice on Thursday.

Barnes and Ingram, meanwhile, had each appeared in every game for the Raptors this season heading into Friday. Both players were listed as questionable prior to being downgraded to out and are considered day-to-day, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca.

Recent first-round picks Ja’Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick received more playing time on Friday amid the injuries, a trend that could continue if Barrett and other regulars are forced to miss additional time.