Knicks Injuries: Why is RJ Barrett Out vs. Wizards?

With the New York Knicks on the cusp of a playoff clinch, RJ Barrett won't available against the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

If the New York Knicks punch their NBA playoff ticket on Sunday, RJ Barrett won't be partaking in the celebration.

The Knicks announced that Barrett will sit out the weekend closer against the Washington Wizards due to an illness. It'll be Barrett's first miss since Feb. 5. 

Missing a potential playoff clincher is the latest twist in what's been a rollercoaster season for Barrett, the new earner of a four-year contract extension worth as much as $120 million. Barrett has earned increased duties in March, playing at least 29 minutes in each of his five games, which included a 26-point showing in a Mar. 22 loss to Miami. 

Regular injury substitute Immanuel Quickley stepped into the starting five. The Knicks (45-33) are already missing All-Star Julius Randle for at least the remainder of the regular season. Quickley is joined by fellow reserve Obi Toppin, who steps in for Randle.

Sunday's is missing a fair amount of star power: in addition to the Knicks losing both Barrett and Randle, the visiting Wizards (34-43) don't have Kristaps Porzingis, Bradley Beal, or Kyle Kuzma on the floor. 

Barrett's departure perhaps hints at a bit of a bug going around the Knicks' locker room: while he has long been forgotten from the Knicks rotation, veteran Derrick Rose has also been unavailable due to an illness for the last four games. 

The Knicks will clinch a spot among the automatic six in the Eastern Conference with a win on Sunday. They lead the Wizards 34-31 after the first quarter.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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