Illness could sideline Knicks' RJ Barrett for Toronto homecoming

New York Knicks rookie forward RJ Barrett is questionable for his homecoming on Wednesday in Toronto against the Raptors because of an illness.

The native of Mississauga, Ont., missed the Knicks' last game on Sunday with an illness.

Barrett told reporters on Tuesday he "can't miss tomorrow night. I have to go play for everyone I love — just go back there on the court and play basketball."

The rookie, who missed Sunday's game, is averaging 15.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists a night.

Barrett says he has a surprise in store for Toronto fans.

"I'm wearing a little something for them tomorrow on the court. I can't tell you nothing," he said. "It's going to be a little something. It means a lot. Everybody kind of feels something for where they grew up, where they came from. For me, Canada, the whole country had my back. I love them for that."

Barrett was asked if he had a favourite memory of going to Raptors games as a youngster.

"No, because every time I went to a Raptors game, they lost," he said, recalling the franchise's losing years. "So I thought I was a curse."

Barrett was picked third overall by the Knicks in this year's NBA draft.

The six-foot-six Barrett played one NCAA season at Duke.

The Knicks are tied for last in the Eastern Conference at 4-13. The Raptors, who have won four in a row, are tied for second in the East at 12-4.