The Brooklyn Nets and the Toronto Raptors square off this coming Wednesday in Tampa. The Raptors win the first meeting, so the Nets will be going after revenge for that loss in this one. Check out our preview of this game below.
The Nets fell victims to the Miami Heat last Sunday in South Beach, 109-107. But the Nets are probably worried more about the health of Kevin Durant than the impact of that loss on their overall record, as Durant was not able to finish the game because of what was later deemed to be a thigh contusion. The good news is that it’s not a major injury that would keep him out long, However, there’s a good chance that Durant will not play this Wednesday against Toronto, as the Nets don’t want to take any risk with regards to his health. If Durant can’t go against Toronto, the Nets will surely turn to Kyrie Irving for leadership on offense, Irving had 15 points in the Nets’ 123-117 home loss to Toronto last February. The Nets will also be looking for Landey Shamet to keep it going after the former Wichita State Shockers star poured in 20 points with seven threes against Miami.
The Nets, who are second in the league with 118.2 points are 2-1against the spread in their last three road games against the Raptors.
Despite missing a number of their key players, the Raptors still managed to win against the Oklahoma City Thunder at home on Sunday, 112-106. The Raptors didn’t have Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam for various reasons, but thanks to Chris Boucher, Gary Trent Jr., and Malachi Flynn stepping up and showing out, Toronto pulled through and extended their win streak to three games. It remains unsure whether any of Lowry, Anunoby, and Siakam will return to action against Brooklyn. Lowry and Siakam played huge in the February win over Brooklyn, as they combined for 63 points in that game, while Boucher came off the bench and fired 17 points. The Raptors have averaged 114.0 points with a 43.7 percent shooting from deep in their last three games.
The Raptors are 3-0 against the spread in their last three games overall.
