The Toronto Raptors, bolstered by the return of their prized asset, Scottie Barnes may have been the main storyline but the long-awaited return of Mississauga native RJ Barrett finally happened as they look to take down Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets. Barrett, who has been nursing a shoulder injury that forced him to miss most of the preseason and the first three games of the regular season, is tipped to provide the Raptors with a much-needed scoring boost as they look to notch their first win against the Nuggets this season.
Barrett's return to action is seen as a massive morale-booster for the Raptors, who have been working to establish their rhythm and chemistry in the early stages of the season. The 23-year-old, who has been touted as one of the league's most promising young players, averaged 17.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in the 2021-22 season and will undoubtedly be a key cog in the Raptors' offense moving forward.
The Nuggets, led by the explosive Jamal Murray, are set to provide the Raptors with a stern test. Murray, who has been in scintillating form this season, is coming off the back of a 20-point outing against the Utah Jazz and will look to continue his hot streak against the Raptors. The Nuggets have also been buoyed by the impressive displays of Nikola Jokić and Michael Porter Jr. who have been in sublime form this season.
As the Raptors welcome Barrett back into the fold, they will be hoping that his return can help to galvanize the team and ignite their season. With the Nuggets set to provide a stern test, Saturday's contest promises to be an intriguing matchup between two of the league's most exciting young stars in Barrett and Murray.