Are Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony, Towns Scottie, Barnes RJ Barrett Playing Tonight: Knicks vs Raptors Update?

The New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors enter the NBA Cup quarterfinals on December 9 in Toronto with major injury questions surrounding several stars. Fans want to know if Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett are playing tonight. The matchup starts at 8:30 p.m. EST.

Both teams are dealing with injuries that could change rotations and scoring production. Team officials confirmed the latest statuses earlier in the day, and each update shapes the expectations for a high-stakes elimination game.

Latest Injury Update for Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett

The Knicks listed Karl-Anthony Towns as questionable with left calf tightness. He missed the December 8 win against the Orlando Magic and remains a game-time decision. If he sits again, Mitchell Robinson is expected to start at center. New York ruled out Miles McBride due to a left ankle sprain and Landry Shamet due to a right shoulder sprain.

Jalen Brunson is expected to play after leading the Knicks with 30 points and nine assists in their recent win. He did not appear on the injury report. His availability gives New York stability in the backcourt and keeps their offense centered around his scoring and playmaking.

For the Raptors, RJ Barrett remains out with a right knee sprain. The injury has sidelined him since November 23, and the team stated he is expected to miss at least another week. Toronto listed Jamal Shead as questionable with a right quad contusion and Jamison Battle as doubtful with a left ankle sprain.

Scottie Barnes is not on the injury list and is available to play. He continues to be one of Toronto’s top contributors, posting 18 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in their December 8 loss to the Boston Celtics. The combination of Barnes’ playmaking and defensive versatility remains essential with Barrett unavailable.

The absences and questionable tags impact both lineups. New York may rely heavily on Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Robinson if Towns sits. Toronto must adjust around Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Ja’Kobe Walter while waiting for Barrett’s return.

How These Injury Updates Shape Tonight’s Quarterfinal

The Knicks’ interior scoring and spacing hinge on Towns’ condition. If he is unavailable, New York will depend on defense, rebounding, and perimeter shot creation to keep pace. Their bench depth, including Guerschon Yabusele and Ariel Hukporti, may also be tested.

Toronto faces a short rotation without Barrett and potentially without Battle. Barnes and Ingram carry the scoring load, but losing another rotation player would force Toronto to lean on emerging contributors. Jamal Shead’s status is key for ball-handling and on-ball defense.

Both teams need reliable production to advance to the NBA Cup semifinals. With stars on both sides facing uncertainty, tonight’s game will likely be shaped by health, depth, and late-game execution.

The latest updates for Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett remain central to tonight’s storyline. Their availability will define how the Knicks and Raptors approach this must-win matchup.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Are Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett playing tonight?

Brunson and Barnes are expected to play. Towns is questionable. Barrett remains out due to a right knee sprain.

Q2: Why is Karl-Anthony Towns questionable?

He is dealing with left calf tightness and missed the previous game. His status will be determined closer to tipoff.

Q3: When will RJ Barrett return?

Barrett is expected to miss at least one more week as he continues recovering from a right knee sprain.

Q4: Who replaces Karl-Anthony Towns if he sits?

Mitchell Robinson is expected to start at center. The Knicks may also expand bench roles if depth becomes necessary.

Q5: What time does the Knicks vs Raptors game start?

The NBA Cup quarterfinal begins at 8:30 p.m. EST in Toronto.