Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes on Wednesday said the pain level in his left ankle is minimal after missing two games versus the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.
Barnes suffered the injury in Game 1 after his foot was stepped on by Joel Embiid. He missed the next two games before returning to play on Saturday as the Raptors beat the Sixers in Game 4 to avoid a series sweep. He had six points, 11 rebounds and two assists.
The Rookie of the Year even reinjured the same ankle in that game after tripping on the leg of a defender. He managed to play through it and followed it up by producing 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals in Game 5 as Toronto won, 103-88.
He is seemingly as healthy as he can be at this point in the playoffs.
I feel great. My body feels great. Overall, mentally and physically I feel great. I come in every morning and get my treatment. I come in before the game and get treatment but I’m not really worried about it anymore. A little pain comes now and then but I’m fine.
Barnes emerged as a key player this season for the Raptors and played a major role in the team qualifying for the playoffs. His absence in Games 2 and 3 greatly affected them, but they have performed better with him back in the lineup after winning two straight.
The update from Barnes is seemingly great news for the Raptors as they face a must-win situation at home on Thursday to stay alive. They have built good momentum over the last two games and will be looking to keep it going.
Game 6 is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. EDT on NBA TV.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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