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Knicks vs Raptors injury news has delivered a major boost for Toronto ahead of Sunday night’s matchup at Scotiabank Arena. Scottie Barnes has been upgraded to available after dealing with a lingering left groin strain, giving the Raptors back their All-Star forward for the first time in nine days.
Toronto enters the game after suffering its first three-game losing streak of the season. The Raptors have faced a difficult stretch while playing without Barnes and Kawhi Leonard, but Barnes’ return could provide an immediate lift on both ends of the floor.
Knicks vs Raptors Injury Report Reveals Critical Update
Barnes was initially listed as questionable, but Toronto cleared him to play less than two hours before tipoff. His availability is especially important because he remains one of the Raptors’ primary creators, rebounders, and defensive anchors.
Leonard, however, will remain sidelined as he continues to rebuild his conditioning following knee swelling. He has missed Toronto’s last 10 games. The Raptors will also be without all three of their two-way players: Nate Bittle, Malachi Smith, and Kevin McCullar Jr.
- Scottie Barnes: Available after a left groin strain
- Kawhi Leonard: Out while continuing his conditioning process
- Nate Bittle: Out
- Malachi Smith: Out
- Kevin McCullar Jr.: Out
- New York Knicks: No players listed on the injury report
The Knicks enter the matchup with a completely clean injury report. That gives New York a significant availability advantage, particularly against a Toronto team still trying to find consistency without Leonard.
New York Looks to End a Troubling Slide
The Knicks have also experienced an uneven start to the 2026-27 season. After winning four consecutive games, New York dropped back-to-back contests against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.
The Knicks are now 6-6, while the Raptors sit at 5-7. New York’s recent victories included wins over several teams near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, making Sunday’s road test a useful measure of whether the defending champions can regain their early-season rhythm.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns remain the foundation of the Knicks’ offense. The All-Star duo is averaging a combined 47.7 points per game, while OG Anunoby is contributing another 16 points per contest.
New York’s supporting shooting, though, has not matched last season’s standards. Mikal Bridges is averaging 6.9 points per game while shooting 37.4 percent from the field and 28.9 percent from three-point range. Josh Hart and Anunoby have also struggled from outside, shooting 29.5 percent and 32.5 percent, respectively.
Powerful Knicks Defense Creates a Difficult Challenge
The Knicks’ greatest strength has been their defense and rebounding. According to the latest team statistics, New York ranks among the NBA’s top five in several major defensive categories.
- Second in rebounds at 58.7 per game
- Second in opponent scoring at 103.7 points per game
- Third in opponent fast-break points allowed
- Third in opponent points in the paint allowed
- Third in opponent field-goal percentage allowed at 43.2 percent
- Third in offensive rebound percentage
- Third in defensive rebound percentage
That profile could cause problems for Toronto. The Raptors have found reliable production through transition scoring, points in the paint, and second-chance opportunities. However, New York has consistently limited those areas and forced opponents to win from the perimeter.
What Barnes’ Return Means for Toronto
Toronto ranks near the bottom of the NBA in three-point shooting at 32.9 percent. With the Knicks protecting the paint and controlling the glass, the Raptors may need major contributions from former Knicks RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
Barnes may take a cautious approach in his first game back, particularly after missing three straight games. His defensive activity, rebounding, and ability to push the ball in transition could still change the contest immediately.
The Raptors could also benefit from more pick-and-roll action involving Jakob Poeltl and Collin Murray-Boyles. Creating pressure around the basket may open perimeter opportunities for Ja’Kobe Walter and Jamison Battle.
For Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic, the central challenge will be stopping New York’s scoring runs. The Raptors have struggled to respond when opponents build momentum, and another slow reaction could make this Atlantic Division matchup difficult to recover from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scottie Barnes playing against the Knicks?
Yes. Scottie Barnes has been upgraded to available after initially being listed as questionable with a left groin strain.
Is Kawhi Leonard playing for the Raptors?
No. Kawhi Leonard remains out while he continues to rebuild his conditioning after dealing with knee swelling.
Who else is out for Toronto?
Nate Bittle, Malachi Smith, and Kevin McCullar Jr. are also listed as out for the Raptors.
Do the Knicks have any players on the injury report?
No. New York enters the game with a clean injury report and no listed absences.
When is the Knicks vs Raptors game?
The game is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at 6 p.m. Eastern time at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
