The Toronto Raptors once again go toe-to-toe with the Brooklyn Nets, this time as the host. With the previous game only 12 days ago going in the Raptors favour, this could be an opportunity to extend their winning streak from 6 to 7. The last time the Raptors had 7 straight wins was Mar 3, 2020 to Aug 7, 2020 during the bubble season.
Since their last meeting, Brooklyn has gone 2-2, now with an overall record of 3-12. One of those wins came against the Wizards (so it doesn’t really count) and the other
a surprise against the Celtics, who lost control of the game around the half and never got it back. The Nets are going to try and build on that momentum now as they continue to struggle at the bottom of the Atlantic division.
Despite any mistakes, the Nets were able to hold their own for much of the last game. They outscored the Raptors in the first frame and matched or were within a possession of Toronto’s scoring every quarter except the second. The Raptors were able to create the 10-point margin of victory in that frame. While they can hope for a similar opportunity in this matchup, they can’t expect it.
Brooklyn will expect their starting 5 to be the biggest contributors once again with 4 of the 5 hitting double figures the last time around. Michael Porter Jr. will look to improve his long range shooting, previously going only 1 for 6. He can be streaky at times, but when his shots are falling this could create trouble for Toronto. Claxton and Clowney will look to improve their control of the paint, giving away 13 offensive rebounds in the previous contest.
In the last matchup, rebounding was one of Toronto’s greatest strengths. Finishing the game with 50 and having outrebounded the Nets by 14, maintaining control of the boards was a key to their 10-point victory. Poeltl was responsible for 10 of those, but will sit out this game with injury management, leaving a vacancy that will need to be filled by committee. Ingram and RJ should both look to help, along with Mamu who will be seeing Brooklyn for the first time this year.
Minimizing turnovers again will also play in Toronto’s favour. Despite averaging 14.3 per game (5th in the NBA) they only had 8 last time around. Shead and Quickley had both done well this season as ball-handlers, and have helped set the tone for good passing. If they can take care of the ball again this game, it will be another way for them to prevent more Brooklyn possessions.
The other challenge will be managing load, with this being the first in a back-to-back home-stand. On Monday, they’ll face a much tougher opponent in the Cleveland Cavaliers, and will want to preserve some energy for that contest. Handling business early and building a lead that allows them to greater utilize the depth of the bench tonight could help keep the winning streak alive even longer.
Where to watch
Tune in to Sportsnet at 6pm ET!
Probable Starters
Toronto: Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Ochai Agbaji
Brooklyn: Nic Claxton, Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney, Terance Mann, Egor Demin
Injury Report
Toronto: Collin Murray-Boyles (Questionable: MCL sprain), Jakob Poeltl (Out: Injury management)
Brooklyn: Nic Claxton (Probable: Elbow sprain), Egor Demin (Probable: Jaw soreness), Haywood Highsmith (Out: Right knee surgery), Ben Saraf (Out: Ankle sprain), Cam Thomas (Out: Hamstring strain), Nolan Traore (Out: G-League), Danny Wolf (Out: G-League)
