Scottie Barnes Upgraded to Probable Against Clippers After Hip Scare

Scottie Barnes has officially been upgraded to probable for Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, meaning Toronto Raptors fans can safely exhale for at least the next few hours. Dealing with left hip soreness, the franchise cornerstone looks ready to suit up for the second leg of a back-to-back.

When he is actually on the floor, Barnes has been an absolute monster this season. He is stuffing the stat sheet to the tune of 24.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. That kind of production is exactly why Toronto backed up the Brinks truck for his five-year extension.

"Underdog NBA reported: 'Scottie Barnes (hip) upgraded to probable Monday.'"

But keeping him on the floor has been a full-time job for the medical staff. Over the last couple of seasons, Barnes has suffered an orbital bone fracture, a broken hand, ankle sprains, and knee tendinitis. His injury history reads less like a scouting report and more like a WebMD symptom checker.

For anyone eyeing the Monday night slate, this probable tag is the skeleton key to the matchup. Barnes completely swings the offensive geometry for Toronto, and his presence drastically alters the game lines against a tough Clippers squad.

If the hip tightens up and he ends up in street clothes, the rotation gets incredibly thin. Head coach Darko Rajakovic would have to lean heavily on guys like Collin Murray-Boyles and Jamison Battle to soak up the massive usage void.

Fortunately, a probable tag usually means a green light in the modern NBA. Assuming he gets through pregame warmups without any lingering tightness, expect Barnes to be out there carrying the load for Toronto once again.