I was incorrect on my last Raptors free tip as the Raptors (-5) were defeated 82-75 at home versus the Bucks on Monday. I am now an even .500 on the season in Raptors free tips with a 18-18 record. Tonight the 33-16 Toronto Raptors host the 19-28 Brooklyn Nets.
(19-28) Brookyln Nets @ (33-16) Toronto Raptors
Probable starting line-ups:
Brooklyn – Point Guard – Jarrett Jack Shooting Guard – Alan Anderson C- Mason Plumlee Small Forward – Joe Johnson Power Forward – Kevin Garnett
Toronto – PG – Kyle Lowry SG – Greivis Vasquez C – Jonas Valanciunas SF – DeMar DeRozan PF – Amir Johnson
Stats Leaders:
Brooklyn – Points Per Game – Joe Johnson 15.9 Rebounds Per Game – Kevin Garnett 7.0 Assists Per Game – Deron Williams 6.2
Toronto – PPG – Kyle Lowry 19.0 RPG – Jonas Valanciunas 8.5 APG – Kyle Lowry 7.3
Team Scoring: (with league ranking in parentheses)
Brooklyn – Points For (Per Game) – 95.8 (24th) Points Against (Per Game) – 99.6 (16th)
Toronto – PF – 106.1 (5th) PA – 101.0 (21st)
Overview:
The Brooklyn Nets snapped their 4 game losing skid with a 102-100 home win versus the Clippers on Monday. It was the team’s first win at home since December 29th. Backup center Brook Lopez led the way with 24 points on 12 of 20 shooting in 37 minutes off the bench. He also had 7 rebounds. Small forward Joe Johnson scored 22 points on 8 of 13 shooting in 39 minutes. He was 4 of 6 from the 3 point line. He also had 6 assists and 5 rebounds. Backup point guard Deron Williams was the only other Nets player in double figures in scoring as he netted 15 points on 5 of 8 shooting in 29 reserve minutes. Power foward Kevin Garnett contributed with 6 points and 11 boards. Center Mason Plumlee chipped in with 9 points and 9 rebounds. The team shot 49.4% from the field, 44.4% from the 3 point line (12-27), and 44.4% from the foul line (8-18). The Nets were out-rebounded 52-45. The team scored 64 points in the 2nd half after only managing 38 points in the 1st half. Brooklyn is 10-13 on the road this season. Including tonight they play 9 of their next 10 games on the road. Their next game is Friday at home versus New York.
The Toronto Raptors had their 6 game winning streak snapped with an 82-75 home loss versus the Bucks on Monday. Shooting guard/small forward DeMar DeRozan led the team in scoring with 16 points on 5 of 16 shooting in 25 minutes. Center Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double as he scored 12 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. He was 6 of 9 from the field in 25 minutes. Backup shooting guard Louis Williams scored 12 points on 1 of 12 shooting in 29 minutes. He was 9 of 10 from the free throw line. Small forward Terrence Ross netted 10 points on 4 of 12 shooting in 32 minutes off the bench. Backup power forward Patrick Patterson chipped in with 9 points and 11 rebounds. He was 3 of 8 from the field in 31 reserve minutes. The team shot 32.1% from the field, 25.9% from the 3 point line (7-27), and 81.8% from the free throw line (18-22). They narrowly out-rebounded the Bucks 46-44. The Raptors were down 13 points going to the final quarter and held the Bucks to 9 4th period points but it wasn’t enough as they only scored 15 points. Toronto is 18-8 at home this season. Tonight is the 2nd game of a 5 game home stand. Their next game is Friday at home versus the Clippers.
Toronto was victorious in their first 2 meetings with Brooklyn this season. On December 17th the Raptors cruised to a 105-89 home win versus the Nets and on January 30th the Raptors fought off the Nets for a 127-122 overtime win at Brooklyn. After tonight the 2 teams play 1 more time this season, April 3rd at Brooklyn.
Prediction:
The Raptors had a slip-up in their last home game on Monday but I don’t expect that to be a trend. They still are a strong team at home. The Nets have battled injuries and inconsistency thus far in the season. They need another big contribution from Brook Lopez off the bench if they are going to compete tonight. I think the Raptors erase the memories of Monday’s awful performance with a decisive home win this evening. Take the Raptors -7 (1.90) (Bet365)
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