Barrett can typically be counted on for assists without Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes in the lineup. His nine assists weren't a surprise, but he exploded for 32 points against the Bulls Monday. He's now had four games in December with at least 29 points. Fantasy managers will certainly take that from Barrett, who is a must-start option as Quickley and Barnes are still set to be out for weeks.
With the Raptors already down Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes and losing Jakob Poeltl during this contest, RJ Barrett and Dick continue to carry the offense. While the Raptors still lost, they're going to need the 21-year-old shooting guard to see a lot of usage to even keep most games close. Most of Dick's value will continue to come from points and threes as it did once again Monday.
Quickley (elbow) has begun incorporating his left arm into recent workouts, but he's still not ready for full-contact drills, Aaron Rose of SI.com reports.
Darko Rajakovic opted to roll with rookie Jonathan Mogbo in the starting unit in place of the injured Scottie Barnes, which means that Barrett will be the team's primary playmaker moving forward. That helps explain a lot of his production in this game. He was able to record the first triple-double of his career, but he shot the ball poorly and turned it over a lot. The blocks were an unexpected boost, but managers should be able to rely on him for assists moving forward until either Barnes or Immanuel Quickley returns to the lineup.
The good news for the Raptors guard is that his recovery is trending in the right direction. However, Quickley has not been cleared to ramp up his recovery or resume practicing. He remains out indefinitely and does not have a timeline for return. With Scottie Barnes (ankle) also injured, Davion Mitchell will have added importance to the Raptors, likely as a starter in the short term.