Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett has escaped a potentially devastating setback, with medical imaging confirming that his right knee injury is only a sprain, the team announced Wednesday. The MRI revealed no structural damage, ending fears of a significant tear after a worrying non-contact injury against the Brooklyn Nets.
Barrett grimaced and checked himself out moments after landing awkwardly during a breakaway dunk in the second half of Sunday’s win against the Brooklyn Nets. The way he reacted — immediately grabbing his knee and walking straight toward the bench — initially suggested something far worse.
Instead, the Raptors received the best possible news.
Barrett will be re-evaluated in one week, according to Toronto’s medical bulletin.
Raptors Dodge Major Blow as Barrett Set for Short-Term Absence
The 25-year-old rising star already missed Monday’s 110–99 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers and is expected to sit out at least the next four games, pending his re-evaluation.
Barrett is in the midst of one of the best stretches of his career. Through 17 games, he is averaging 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 50.6% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range.
He has scored 20+ points in 10 games, helping propel the Raptors to a league-best eight-game winning streak that has vaulted them to 13-5 and second in the East.
Head coach Darko Rajaković said Barrett’s value goes beyond scoring.
“RJ is a very, very important player for us,” Rajaković said. “He does some things that are very unique. I don’t expect anybody to step into his shoes and be different than RJ.”
How Toronto Adjusts Without Barrett
With Barrett sidelined, Rajaković opted to start Ja’Kobe Walter, who delivered a modest five points, three rebounds and two steals in 24 minutes. While Walter brings size and defensive energy, Toronto has experimented with a smaller two-point guard lineup that has proven highly effective.
Immanuel Quickley and second-year guard Jamal Shead shared the floor, and Toronto’s offense flowed with more playmaking and dribble penetration. Quickley posted 11 points, seven assists and six rebounds, while Shead recorded nine points, seven assists and a steal.
The Raptors outscored the Cavaliers by 14 with Shead on the court.
Toronto also received steady minutes from rookie Collin Murray-Boyles and Ochai Agbaji, who both logged just 11 minutes but posted positive plus-minus figures, adding energy on both ends.
Barrett’s return will naturally shift the rotation again, but Rajaković sees this as an opportunity to deepen the roster.
“These couple of days RJ is going to be out is going to be good for us,” the coach said. “We have multiple players that can bring a different dimension.”
Barrett’s Injury History Makes News Even More Significant
Barrett has dealt with nagging injuries throughout his career — including a right ankle sprain as a Knicks rookie and a shoulder sprain last season. But unlike prior situations, this incident sparked panic because it occurred without contact, a common sign of serious ligament damage.
By avoiding a structural injury, the Raptors preserve their momentum — and keep one of their most impactful two-way wings in line to return this year.
The Raptors continue their homestand on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers, where they will again look to expand their depth and maintain their surge while Barrett recovers.
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