A pair of middling Eastern Conference teams — the Brooklyn Nets and the Toronto Raptors — will look to give themselves a bit of a boost when they face off Wednesday night. Both teams are coming off-road losses, but Toronto begins a three-game home stand on the NBA schedule with this one.
Let’s dig a little deeper into this matchup, look at some NBA player stats, and make a Nets prediction. Here is our Nets vs. Raptors betting preview.
Last Game Records
The Raptors (9-8) bowed to Atlanta, 124-122, by virtue of an overtime buzzer-beater Saturday night. Toronto squandered a seven-point edge that they owned with just over two and a half minutes remaining in the fourth frame.
The Hawks went on a 10-point surge in under 90 seconds and took the lead with 59 seconds to play. The Raptors had one more chance to win in it in regulation, but Scottie Barnes couldn’t convert a layup or putback attempt before the horn sounded.
Barnes did score a season-high 28 points, with O.G. Anunoby helping out with 27. Toronto was seeking its third consecutive win, but injuries caught up with the team, which only dressed nine players.
Pascal Siakam, Precious Achiuwa, Gary Trent Jr., and Fred VanVleet have sat for a combined 18 games since Nov. 6. Dalano Blanton, Chris Boucher, and Otto Porter Jr. didn’t make the trip, either.
In a spirited game against Philadelphia Tuesday night, Nets guard Ben Simmons returned to the City of Brotherly Love and dealt with the buzz of 76ers fans. He was booed all night, scored 11 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds. It was one of the more heated NBA matchups you’ll see this year.
The Sixers downed Brooklyn 115-106, however. They were missing Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey.
For the Nets, Seth Curry pinned up 14 points against his father-in-law, Philly coach Doc Rivers. P.J. Tucker went without scoring for the fourth game in a row, giving him the longest streak of contests with at least 25 minutes played and zero points scored in league lore.
Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Analysis
Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors stats show Anunoby has been their most consistent scoring threat thus far, pouring in 18.8 points per game.
Siakam has averaged 24.8 points in the nine games he’s played, so his eventual return should add another dimension to the offense. Seven of Toronto’s top 10 scorers were out for the game against the Hawks.
Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant has been the leader on the floor for Brooklyn, putting up 29.8 points per game. Kyrie Irving, who recently returned from a suspension, has averaged 25.2 in the ten games he’s taken part in.
Behind them, only two players — forwards Nic Claxton and Royce O’Neale — are putting up more than 10 points per outing.
Going forward, the Nets might need some more production on offense with NBA team stats.
NBA Injury Report
You don’t want to do any Nets vs. Raptors betting without first knowing who will be on the floor for this one.
Toronto has ruled Siakam (groin) out, but he should be back sometime next week. Porter Jr. can’t suit up with a toe injury, while Achiuwa is out of his walking boot but still nursing an ankle ailment. Barnes didn’t practice with a left knee sprain and is considered day-to-day.
Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Preview
The Raptors are dealing with a number of injuries, but oddsmakers see them as the favorite here.
NBA odds today have Toronto marked down as -2 on the point spread at -112, while the Nets are -108 to cover.
On the money line, the Raptors are -136, and Brooklyn is a +118 underdog. The total is listed at 221.5 points, with the over -112 and the under -108.
Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Prediction
While the Nets’ offense hasn’t been the strongest, save for KD and Kyrie, Toronto is missing a lot of firepower.
Even at home, it’s likely to be a struggle for the Raptors as they go up against two of the most talented players in basketball.
If you’re planning on doing any Nets vs. Raptors betting, make sure to go with Brooklyn to cover the spread, if not win outright.
The scoring combo will be too much for a banged-up Raptors crew in our NBA picks today.
NBA Pick: Raptors -2.5 (-110)
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