Struggles for the Raptors amid Barrett’s Absence
The Toronto Raptors are in the midst of a challenging stretch, having lost five of their last six games. This downturn has not only affected their on-court performance but has also led to a noticeable drop in their standing in the power rankings. According to NBA.com writer John Schuhmann, the Raptors have slipped from No. 11 to No. 13, reflecting their recent struggles.
“The Raptors have come back down to Earth, losing five of their last six games, including two to the Hornets,” Schuhmann observed. This rough patch included a disappointing performance against the New York Knicks, where the Raptors managed less than a point per possession. With a chance for redemption looming, the Raptors will face the Knicks again in the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals, a matchup that could provide a much-needed boost.
Impact of RJ Barrett’s Absence
One of the critical factors contributing to the Raptors’ recent struggles has been the absence of RJ Barrett, who has missed the last eight games due to a knee sprain. His impact on the team cannot be overstated. Initially, the Raptors ranked fifth offensively, averaging 119.2 points per 100 possessions through their first 17 games. However, they have plummeted to 29th place, with a mere 107.0 points per 100 possessions in the games Barrett has missed.
The Raptors’ shooting has also suffered during this span, coupled with a significant decline in free-throw attempts and an increase in turnovers. Barrett typically boasts a free-throw rate of 33.8 attempts per 100 shots from the field, a stark contrast to that of the other perimeter starters, highlighting his importance to the team’s overall offensive efficiency.
Challenges for Replacement Players
In Barrett’s absence, Ja’Kobe Walter has stepped into a starting role, but the transition hasn’t been seamless. Walter has started in seven of the eight games Barrett has missed, yet his usage rate stands at just 13.6%, significantly lower than Barrett’s 23.6%. His effective field goal percentage has faltered as well, settling at just 44% during this stretch. In a recent game against the Hornets, Walter struggled, going 0-for-7 from the field as the Raptors managed only 86 points in 103 possessions, marking one of their worst offensive outings of the season.
Looking Ahead for the Raptors
The Raptors have an opportunity to regain some momentum as they prepare to host the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. The game is set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena. Fans can catch the action on TSN Sports or stream it via Amazon Prime Video. A strong performance could not only boost their standing in the rankings but also reignite their season as they look to overcome the challenges posed by Barrett’s absence.
