Raptors Taking Cautious Approach with RJ Barrett's Injury

The Toronto Raptors will take it easy with RJ Barrett on Monday night.

The 6-foot-6 Canadian has been ruled out for "load management" as he works his way back from a knee injury, the team announced Monday. He will miss the second game of a back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Barrett returned Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder and played 43 minutes, scoring 23 points in Toronto's double-overtime loss. It appears to be a cautious measure after Barrett's heavy workload.

Expect Bruce Brown Jr. to return to the starting lineup alongside Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Immanuel Quickley. Brown had previously filled in for Barrett who had missed three games with the knee injury.

Toronto will also be without Jontay Porter who continues to deal with back spasms. He'd been playing as Toronto's backup center with Poeltl out, but Poeltl's return may displace Porter completely from the rotation whenever the 24-year-old does return to action this season.

Javon Freeman-Liberty, Kira Lewis Jr., and Markquis Nowell all remain on G League assignments with the Raptors 905.

For New Orleans, Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Larry Nance Jr. are all questionable to play. 

Williamson played 35 minutes on Friday for the Pelicans after missing New Orleans' previous game. He's currently battling a left foot injury.

Jones has missed two straight games for New Orleans with right Adductor tightness.

Nance, meanwhile, has missed one game with left ankle soreness.

Malcolm Hill, EJ Liddell, and Dereon Seabron are all on G League assignments for the Pelicans.