Raptors swingman RJ Barrett ruled out for game against visiting Magic

By The Canadian Press on January 3, 2025.

Toronto Raptors' RJ Barrett (9) protects the ball from Chicago Bulls' Ayo Dosunmu (11) during second half NBA basketball action in Toronto on December 16, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors have to go another game without their projected starting lineup when they host the Orlando Magic tonight.

Canadian swingman RJ Barrett was ruled out hours before tipoff at Scotiabank Arena.

Barrett, from Mississauga, Ont., missed Toronto’s last two games with an undisclosed illness.

The return of point guard Immanuel Quickley from a lengthy absence due to an elbow injury on Wednesday moved the Raptors closer to starting their optimal lineup of Barrett, Quickley, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl and Gradey Dick for the first time this season.

That quintet hasn’t played together since March 2, when Barnes, Toronto’s only all-star last season, broke a bone in his hand.

Quickley played in only his fourth game of the season when the Raptors beat the Brooklyn Nets 130-113 on Wednesday to snap an 11-game losing skid.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 3, 2025.