The New York Knicks are off to a shaky 2-4 start, largely because of inefficient play from some of their high-volume players. Wing RJ Barrett has been part of the problem, but not because of his inefficient play — he has missed New York’s last two games. Let’s look at the most recent RJ Barrett injury updates as we assess whether he will be playing in Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. If you’re hungry for more action, check out our NBA player prop bets, our NBA betting tools or our NBA betting promos!
RJ Barrett Injury Update: Is New York’s Star Playing Tonight?
RJ Barrett Injury Update
After a near-upset over the Boston Celtics and a win over the Atlanta Hawks to start the year, the New York Knicks have gone 1-3 over their last four. They were without RJ Barrett for two of those losses. Barrett is again on the injury report ahead of tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, this time picking up a questionable tag for the evening’s action. Barrett has been dealing with a left knee issue.
The good news is that head coach Tom Thibodeau sounded somewhat encouraged — as much as Thibodeau ever sounds encouraged — about Barrett’s status. In a press conference on Sunday, Thibodeau said that Barrett was able to practice on Sunday. It was unclear whether he was limited, but Thibodeau noted that he “went through all of practice.”
Is RJ Barrett Playing for New York Tonight?
So is RJ Barrett playing tonight? I’m not sure. Thibodeau is a difficult head coach to read, but Barrett’s ability to practice on Sunday is a good sign. Thibodeau noted that the decision would come down to “how [Barrett] feels” on Monday, so we’re likely going to have to wait until close to tip to know anything with certainty. The Knicks, along with the rest of the league, have the day off Tuesday. They’ll then face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday and the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.
Even though it’s unclear whether RJ Barrett will play tonight, the betting markets have some faith in New York. The Knicks are trading as a one-point home favorite over the Los Angeles Clippers at bet365 in what’s essentially a pick’em. If Barrett sits, we’re likely to see plenty of Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo in his stead. Although Barrett is usually known for his inefficiency, he owns shooting splits of 45/43/81 this year, better than DiVincenzo (36/33/57) and Hart (33/25/75).
If you have a suspicion that Barrett suits up for this one, backing the Knicks to win outright could prove sharp. New York is currently +10 in net rating with Barrett on the floor this year, which is the best of the team’s five starters, while they are -10.2 with Hart and -5.8 with DiVicenzo. Barrett’s return would also take some pressure off Julius Randle, who is currently shooting a miserable 27/23/62. If you’re new to bet365, make sure to check out our bet365 bonus code for up to $1,000 in bonus bets!
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