The Toronto Raptors are in near win-win mode heading into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference’s first playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. The Sixers had a home tie in the first two games and now the series moves to Canada ( No Matisse Thybulle).
The immediate concern for Toronto fans is the availability of Gary Trent Jr. and Scott Barnes. Raptors head coach Nick Nurse spoke about the condition of both players Wednesday morning.
Trent Jr. was facing a non-COVID illness and played in the 2nd Half, but was only able to play for 10 minutes and scored 0-3 off the field. The professional fourth year hit a career-high average in points (18.3), assists (2.0), steals (1.7) and minutes per game (35.0), while scoring a good 85.3% best career from the free throw line.
The 23-year-old Trent Jr is Toronto’s third top scorer this season and is tied with Fred VanVleet for the top spot in steals per competition.
Barnes reached the final for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award after a campaign where he averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 35.4 minutes per game. in 74 competitions (all started). He was named Rookie of the Month at the Eastern Conference in both February and March.
