After missing the past nine games, New York Knicks rookie R.J. Barrett practiced on Wednesday and said there is a chance he could play on Thursday against the Orlando Magic.
The third overall pick hasn’t played since Jan. 16 after suffering a sprained right ankle against the Phoenix Suns. Barrett has been seen putting up shots with the team but hasn’t been able to practice until only recently.
Barrett did not appear on the official injury report released by the Knicks on Wednesday, which could hint a return is imminent for the former Duke star though that, of course, could change.
RJ Barrett practiced today for the Knicks. He hasn't played since mid-January because of a sprained right ankle. Barrett says playing tomorrow is a possibility but nothing is certain.
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) February 5, 2020
Barrett was one of 10 first-year players selected by the NBA to participate in the Rising Stars Game on Feb. 14 at All-Star Weekend in Chicago. As a native of Canada, Barrett was chosen to play for the World Team versus the United States.
Given his recent injury, Barrett could miss the event in order to rest his ankle after missing time. Barrett is averaging 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and one steal in 41 games played.
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