Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes has been ruled out for Game 2 of their series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Gary Trent Jr. and Thaddeus Young are also doubtful to play.
Potentially down two starters and a third rotation player following a 20-point loss in Game 1, the Raptors are 7.5-point underdogs on Tipico Sportsbook.
One of the harder things to do in the playoffs is resist the urge to overreact to a single result. Add a few injuries to the equation, and predicting the outcome of the next game in a series becomes all the more challenging. Coaches make adjustments and player performance fluctuates.
Raptors coach Nick Nurse says Scottie Barnes will not play tonight, Gary Trent remains doubtful and Thaddeus Young is “probably doubtful,” but is going to try to work with the training staff to get his sprained thumb in a place where he can play.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) April 18, 2022
However, unless one team is completely outmatched or a star player is out, it’s foolish to expect a blowout every game. Many people, including myself, thought before Game 1 the Raptors would match up well with the Sixers. I still believe that to be the case, even with a few important players out.
I’m taking the points.