Raptors’ Scottie Barnes will remain sidelined for Game 3 vs. Sixers with a sprained left ankle

TORONTO – Scottie Barnes was at the Toronto Raptors’ Wednesday morning shootaround minus his walking boot.

However, the standout rookie forward remains sidelined with a sprained left ankle for Game 3 against the 76ers at Scotiabank Arena.

“I certainly assume he will be ready for the next game,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said of Saturday’s Game 4.

» READ MORE: Scottie Barnes’ absence leaves a big void for the Raptors — and is a great thing for the Sixers

Earlier in the day, he was listed doubtful.

“He looks like he’s doing pretty good,” Nurse said following the morning shootaround.

Barnes made progress, just not enough to play in Wednesday’s game.

His absence could hinder the Raptors in this pivotal game. The Sixers lead 2-0 in the best-of-seven series and would all but break the Raptors’ will by going up 3-0.

Barnes had to be helped off the court with 9 minutes, 6 seconds remaining in the Sixers’ 131-111 Game 1 victory after Joel Embiid stepped on his foot. Barnes sprained his left ankle on the play but X-rays were negative. He donned a walking boot while at Monday’s shootaround and on the bench for Game 2.

The Raptors will receive some reinforcements with shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. set to play in Game 3. Trent is returning from a non-COVID-19 illness.

Trent played while under the weather in Game 1 and had nine points on 2-for-11 and was minus-23. He had zero points on 0-for-3 shooting in 10 minutes in Game 2 after being a game-time decision. He didn’t play after intermission.

» READ MORE: The Sixers expect pushback from the Raptors — and the officials — in Game 3 in Toronto

“It will probably be that he goes out and starts again and we see how he’s going,” Nurse said. “The issues that he’s having … the biggest thing I think that’s affecting him physically is just being able to breathe and catch his wind and survive through that. If he can’t [we have] to get him out of there.”