Will Barton's status uncertain as Nuggets continue five-game road trip in Minnesota

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Will Barton‘s status for the Nuggets matchup in Minnesota Thursday is up in the air after the swingman suffered a sprained left ankle in the third quarter of Denver’s 105-102 loss to the Toronto Raptors Monday night.

Barton told the Denver Post he suffered a “mid-ankle sprain,” and his ankle was “sore” after the game. Barton also noted that he thought it was “a bad sprain, a real bad sprain.”

The 25-year-old stepped on Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl‘s foot as he was driving to the basket and immediately went to floor clutching his left ankle. Barton walked off the floor, partially under his own power and went straight to the locker room. The Nuggets reported X-rays were negative.

Will Barton heads straight back to the locker room after spraining his left ankle. Looked to be in a significant amount of pain. pic.twitter.com/IOHGKhauV7

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) November 1, 2016

Barton’s injury comes as Gary Harris, who missed Denver’s first three regular season games after suffering a partially torn groin in the Nuggets first preseason contest, is getting closer to a return. The Nuggets want Harris to participate in a full practice before returning to game action, something he might have the chance to do today or tomorrow before Denver plays in Minnesota Thursday.

If Harris can’t return Thursday, the Nuggets suddenly find themselves with a void at the shooting guard position, one that was considered a strength heading into training camp. It’s not known if coach Michael Malone will opt for rookie Jamal Murray or choose to elevate sixth-man Wilson Chandler from a bench role to replace Barton if Harris isn’t ready to go.