One of the notable surprise teams of this NBA season has been the Toronto Raptors, who sit just two games behind the New York Knicks for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
A primary reason for the Raptors’ success has been forward Scottie Barnes’ All-Star season. Barnes has averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 50% from the field.
Scottie Barnes to Miss Sunday’s Raptors-Bucks Game
On Sunday afternoon, the Raptors face the Milwaukee Bucks, but they are expected to be without their All-Star forward, who has missed practice in recent days.
Raptors insider Michael Grange reported that two-time All-Star Barnes was excused from practice in Chicago for personal reasons. Grange later updated his report to confirm that Barnes is out for Sunday’s game against the Bucks, also citing personal reasons. The nature of those reasons has not been disclosed, though Barnes has missed multiple practices for the same cause.
Barnes has been the team’s undisputed leader on both ends of the floor, earning his 2026 All-Star selection. He leads the Raptors in minutes, rebounds, steals, and blocks, while ranking second in points and assists.
The Raptors face the Bucks at 3:30 p.m. ET in Milwaukee. The Bucks have won six of their last seven games and are within a half-game of the final play-in spot. Kevin Porter Jr. has contributed in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence, while Cam Thomas — acquired after being released by the Brooklyn Nets — has carried much of the offensive load since joining the team.
Meanwhile, the Raptors remain close behind the Knicks in pursuit of the No. 4 seed in the conference. Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram are expected to shoulder additional responsibilities in Barnes’ absence. Ingram leads the team with 22 points per game, while Quickley leads in assists with 6.0 per game, both enjoying strong seasons.
The Raptors are among the most efficient teams inside the 3-point line, ranking in the top 10 in both 2-point attempts and makes. They are third in the league in assists and No. 10 in overall field goal percentage, while also placing within the top 15 in both steals and blocks.
Following Sunday’s game against the Bucks, the Raptors face two significant challenges: the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday and the contending San Antonio Spurs in a back-to-back. The team hopes to have Barnes available for at least one of those matchups. Further updates on his status are expected in the coming days.
