Raptors May Need RJ Barrett to Take on an Even Bigger Role Against the Bucks

RJ Barrett has already taken on a larger offensive role for the Toronto Raptors this season. Friday night in Milwaukee could give him another opportunity to show just how much responsibility he can handle.

With Kawhi Leonard sidelined by a knee injury and Scottie Barnes questionable with a left groin strain, Toronto could be short on its primary offensive options when it faces the Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Barrett has been one of the team's more dependable scoring threats through the opening weeks, and his recent production makes him an obvious candidate to shoulder more of the load if Barnes cannot play.

Barrett is averaging 20.9 points per game and has scored at least 22 points in every game of Toronto's current road trip. That stretch has come with Leonard unavailable, forcing Barrett to take on more attention from opposing defenses.

The concern is whether he can sustain that production once teams begin adjusting.

Barrett has reached the 20-point mark in seven of his first eight appearances. However, his efficiency has dropped considerably after halftime. Barrett is shooting 39.7% from the field, 19% from three-point range and 54.5% from the free-throw line in second halves.

That difference matters against a Milwaukee team that has struggled to contain opposing offenses. The Bucks are allowing 122.3 points per game, ranking 27th in the NBA, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. is expected to be one of the players tasked with defending Barrett. Jaquez has posted a 121.5 defensive rating this season.

Toronto should have opportunities to attack that matchup, particularly with Barrett's ability to use his strength and get downhill. The challenge will be finding ways to remain productive when Milwaukee begins crowding the paint and limiting those driving lanes. Barrett cannot rely exclusively on getting to the basket if the Bucks make adjustments as the game progresses.

Milwaukee's own situation makes Friday an important opportunity for Toronto. The Bucks have started 1-7 in the post-Giannis Antetokounmpo era, and their offensive execution has been inconsistent despite putting themselves in position to win several games. That poor fourth-quarter execution and missed shots have repeatedly prevented the team from getting better results.

Allen also pointed to Milwaukee's difficulty putting together a complete performance, with its offense and defense often taking turns holding the team back. The Bucks rank 21st in points per game and 27th in opponent points per game.

Toronto is coming off a 128-109 loss to Denver, during which it surrendered 41 points in the third quarter after taking a three-point halftime lead. The Raptors have lost three of their last four games and enter Friday at 4-4.

A matchup against a struggling Milwaukee team offers a chance to get back on track, but Toronto still needs someone to provide consistent offense if Barnes joins Leonard on the sidelines. Barrett has been doing that throughout the road trip. Friday will test whether he can continue doing it when the Raptors need him most.