Raptors News: Olynyk extension, Warriors trade, key injuries, making the playoffs

Injuries piling up for Toronto

Friday night the Toronto Raptors hosted the Golden State Warriors and came out of the game with both a loss and an injury to their star player. Scottie Barnes fractured his hand and is out indefinitely. We discussed the injury prognosis in the aftermath of the game, and more information came Monday when it was announced Barnes underwent successful surgery. That indicates a longer recovery timeline, one that could take him all the way to the end of the regular season.

Barnes' injury is not the only one this team is dealing with, either. Bruce Brown will miss tonight's game against the New Orleans Pelicans nursing a knee injury, while Jakob Poeltl suffered a dislocated finger against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday and is listed as out for tonight's game as well. That trio of injuries essentially eliminates the Raptors' three-best defenders and suggests that Zion Williamson and the Pels may roll tonight.

With Barnes out, the Raptors' hopes of making a run at the Play-In Tournament are essentially extinguished. If Poeltl misses any amount of time the fire is not just put out, it's had a bucket of water dumped on the embers.

What's Next

The Toronto Raptors have one more game remaining on their homestand, tonight's contest against Zion, Brandon Ingram and the New Orleans Pelicans. New Orleans is 10-4 over the last three weeks and in a tight battle in the Western Conference standings. That game tips off at 7:30 PM.

From there, Toronto embarks on a West Coast road trip. They play the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday and the Denver Nuggets on Monday. A 1-3 week is most likely for Toronto, and would all-but-doom their postseason chances.