RJ Barrett's unwavering Raptors impact no critic can simply dismiss

"RJ Barrett sustained a right knee injury during the Raptors versus Nets game on November 23, and initial reports indicated he would miss at least a week pending re-evaluation. Thankfully for fans, an official Toronto Raptors press release would highlight that medical imaging revealed "no structural damage" to his right knee, and instead, it was diagnosed as a sprain. A sprain sounds easier on the ears than torn or broken, but it remains a costly injury for Barrett to fully recover from."

"Raptors Nation received positive news about RJ Barrett's recovery as it was revealed the 25-year-old Canadian star received a platelet-rich plasma injection, but fans should brace for more time missed as his absence is expected to extend beyond the nine games already missed. Nevertheless, losing RJ Barrett, who has emerged as a core piece to their 2025-26 success, has undoubtedly been an absolute gut punch for the Raptors."

"The Raptors are 3-6 without Barrett in the lineup, only able to put up 105.9 points per game in this sample. This is in contrast to a strong 121.0 points per game when Barrett is active. In line with these offensive challenges, Toronto's field goal percentage has dropped to 45.1 percent during this stretch, compared to 50.3 percent when he's on the court."

RJ Barrett sustained a right knee injury on November 23 and was diagnosed with a sprain after imaging showed no structural damage. The 25-year-old received a platelet-rich plasma injection and is expected to miss more time beyond the nine games already missed. His absence has coincided with a 3-6 Raptors record, a drop from 121.0 to 105.9 points per game, and a field goal percentage decline from 50.3% to 45.1%. The team also averages fewer free throw attempts (19.2 vs 26.2) and fewer assists without Barrett. Opportunities emerged for Gradey Dick, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Ochai Agbaji, with Agbaji notably underperforming. Losing Barrett, a core piece for 2025-26, is a significant factor in Toronto's December struggles.

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