Raptors rule out RJ Barrett for at least a week; Hawks’ Jacob Toppin undergoes season-ending surgery; Heat’s Terry Rozier denies betting charges
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Toronto — The Raptors said Monday that forward RJ Barrett will be sidelined for a minimum of another week after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection to treat a sprained right knee.
Barrett was hurt on Nov. 23 when he landed awkwardly following a dunk and has missed eight games since. The 23-year-old will sit out two more contests before the medical staff reevaluates him. He is averaging 19.4 points—his lowest mark since 2021—while shooting a career-best 50.6 percent from the field.
Toronto has lost five of its last six games heading into Tuesday’s NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinal against the New York Knicks. A victory would send the Raptors to Saturday’s semifinals; a defeat would place them in a consolation matchup against the loser of Miami vs. Orlando.
Hawks
Atlanta forward Jacob Toppin will miss the rest of the season after surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, the Hawks announced. The 25-year-old suffered the injury during a Nov. 29 G League game with College Park.
Toppin, on a two-way contract, has appeared in 31 NBA games over three seasons. He averaged 18.0 points and 10.4 rebounds in the G League this fall. With two-way deals becoming guaranteed on Jan. 7, Atlanta could choose to waive him. His brother, Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin, is also recovering from October foot surgery.
Heat
Miami guard Terry Rozier pleaded not guilty Monday to two federal counts related to alleged illegal sports betting, according to multiple reports.
Prosecutors allege Rozier alerted an associate that he would remove himself from a March 2023 Charlotte Hornets game, information that was reportedly sold to bettors for about $100,000. Investigators have been reviewing wagers placed on Rozier’s prop unders moments before tipoff; he exited after nine minutes with an injury, and all unders hit.
Rozier was released on a $3 million bond secured by his Florida residence. He remains on unpaid leave, and part of his salary is currently non-guaranteed. The Heat are awaiting guidance from the NBA on whether his contract can be moved or waived before it fully guarantees next month.
Source: Hoops Wire
