NBA Roundup: Barnes’ Historic Night Sparks Raptors; Injury Updates for Rockets and Kings
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The Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings each received notable news to open the week, ranging from a record-setting performance to encouraging injury reports.
Raptors rebound behind Barnes
After a lopsided defeat in Washington on Friday, Toronto answered with consecutive victories, topping the Golden State Warriors on Sunday and the Orlando Magic on Monday.
Second-year forward Scottie Barnes delivered the franchise’s first 20-20 triple-double against Golden State, finishing with 23 points, 25 rebounds and 10 assists. The effort highlighted the organization’s view of the 22-year-old as a long-term cornerstone.
One night later in Orlando, Barnes scored 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting, but support arrived elsewhere. Jamal Shead recorded 19 points and five assists, Gradey Dick added 15 points, and Collin Murray-Boyles grabbed 12 rebounds with two blocks in a 111-96 win.
“They’re built of special cloth,” coach Darko Rajakovic said, according to Sportsnet.ca. “They’re resilient. They prepare the same way every night and they keep going forward.”
Rockets monitoring Şengün
Houston center Alperen Şengün sat out his second straight game Monday because of a left soleus strain. Head coach Ime Udoka told reporters the team is managing soreness that surfaced after the Rockets’ Christmas Day contest and does not consider the issue serious.
Kings close in on frontcourt reinforcements
The Sacramento Kings could regain depth Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Center Drew Eubanks, sidelined for seven games with a thumb fracture, is expected to be available after progressing faster than an initial three-week timetable.
Forward Keegan Murray (calf strain) has been upgraded to questionable after missing the past two games, raising the possibility of an earlier-than-projected return.
Source: Hoops Wire
