'Less optimism' that Scottie Barnes will be able to play in Game 3

When the Toronto Raptors take on the Philadelphia 76ers in Saturday's Game 3, they may be without Rookie of the Year candidate Scottie Barnes.

According to Doug Smith of The Star, "there seems to be less optimism around the Raptors" that Barnes will be able to play on Saturday. Barnes is listed as questionable, but his status for Game 3 remains up in the air.

There seems to be less optimism around the Raptors today that Scottie Barnes will be able to go Saturday. Nick Nurse said he expects the rookie guard to reside in the "questionable" domain for now

— Doug Smith: Raptors (@SmithRaps) April 22, 2022

If the Raptors are without Barnes on Saturday, that would be a huge blow. In Game 1, Barnes had 15 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and a block, but he left with an injured his ankle after Joel Embiid accidentally stepped on him.

This season, the 20-year-old has averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks, while shooting 49.2% from the field, 30.1% from three-point range and 73.5% from the free-throw line.

Philadelphia is currently up 2-0 over Toronto. Game 3 is Saturday at 2 p.m. ET on TNT.