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3 Toronto Raptors who must step up after Scottie Barnes injury

By Mike Luciano

Apr 16, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Precious Achiuwa, Toronto Raptors
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – APRIL 01: Precious Achiuwa #5 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

2. Precious Achiuwa

Achiuwa went from a developmental piece to Toronto’s Sixth Man in a matter of just a few weeks, as that combination of expert shooting and versatile defense in such an athletic package is very hard to come by. Those skills will be put to the test without Barnes in the lineup.

Achiuwa will likely slide into the starting lineup with Barnes and Gary Trent Jr. both listed as doubtful. Defending Embiid and making sure Tobias Harris doesn’t get hot early will be at the top of his priority sheet, but he’ll need to hit a couple of big 3-balls to keep pace.

Toronto Raptors: Precious Achiuwa must defend Joel Embiid well.

Achiuwa has already asked for tough defensive matchups, and he’s going to get that in this series. Given how James Harden and Tyrese Maxey were both so problematic for Toronto, Barnes’ absence might force Achiuwa into some 1-on-1 matchups with those two on the perimeter.

If Trent can’t go, Achiuwa might find himself as the fourth scoring option in this game. Putting up with growing pains in the regular season is all well and good, but the Raptors can’t afford too many of those patented Achiuwa turnovers or finishes at the rim if they are going to hang with Philly.