Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors Pre-Game Report

By Fansided and Sandy Mui/FanSided via Nothin' But Nets
Published

Jan 13, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) battles for a ball with Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) during the fourth quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Toronto Raptors won 132-113. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets finish their three-game home stand in a matchup against the Toronto Raptors on Super Bowl Sunday.

To cap off the week, the Brooklyn Nets host the Toronto Raptors at the Barclays Center. Brooklyn has lost eight consecutive games, while Toronto has faced struggles of its own.

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The two teams have already faced each other three times, with the Raptors coming out on top in all the matchups. The latter two games were huge 20+ point blowouts, while the first one was a closer game, but Brooklyn still lost by 12 points.

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    For a change, the Nets are relatively healthy compared to their opponent. Brooklyn comes into Sunday with a nearly full squad, with Jeremy Lin as the only player listed on the Nets’ injury report. Toronto, on the other hand, is missing star player DeMar DeRozan, while Kyle Lowry and Patrick Patterson are questionable.

    Over a month into 2017, the Nets are still looking for their second win of 2017. Meanwhile, the Raptors are looking to regain a spot as a top seed in the Eastern Conference. With their recent bout of troubles, they’ve fallen to fourth place, tied with the Atlanta Hawks.

    Jan 13, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) controls a ball as Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) defends during the first quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 132-113. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

    Nets’ Keys to Victory

    1) Start the game strong and compete with the same amount of energy throughout the game

    The Nets had a shaky start against the Pacers and could not find their rhythm until the fourth quarter. However, even then, they could not secure the win because of yet another late fourth quarter meltdown. Different things contributed to each of the Nets’ losses on their losing streak, but they all revolve around the same component — energy. This could not have been more apparent on Friday, when Brooklyn took over 40 minutes to take its first lead of the game. To not fall into the same trap again, especially against another talented opponent, Brooklyn needs to have a strong start to the game and actually play at the same level for the entire duration of the game.

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    2) Cut down on turnovers

    This storyline is really getting old for the Nets, but turnovers have been a consistent problem for Brooklyn in its recent games. The Nets commit the second-highest amount of turnovers per game in the NBA (16.9) and are averaging an even higher rate of 18.3 turnovers through the course of their last three games. Something’s gotta give, particularly with their fourth quarter turnovers. Turnovers are frustrating for both the players and the fans, and they certainly serve as a double-edged sword. They not only give the opposing team better opportunities, but they also frustrate the Nets’ players, which in turn can lead to confused offensive sequences.

    3) Attack the Raptors’ B-unit

    The Raptors have struggled without DeMar DeRozan, losing three of their last four games, with their win coming from a hard-fought overtime victory against the New Orleans Pelicans. With Kyle Lowry and Patrick Patterson questionable as well, the Raptors might not all be in tip-top shape. The Nets should take advantage of this fact by playing in full force against a limited Raptors squad.

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    Contrastingly, Brooklyn failed to do this against the San Antonio Spurs on The Spurs did not have Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, and Manu Ginobili due to injuries, and they also decided to rest Kawhi Leonard. However, even with such a shorthanded opponent, the Nets could not take advantage, allowing seven Spurs players to score in double figures. They were torched by San Antonio in a 26-point loss. Hopefully, Brooklyn has learned its lesson.

    Players to Watch

    Nets: Joe Harris (last game: 15 points on 50 percent shooting from the field)

    Raptors: Norman Powell (last game: 18 points on 58.3 percent shooting from the field)

    Jan 13, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) controls a ball as Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) tries to defend during the third quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Toronto Raptors won 132-113. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

    Projected Starters

    Nets:

      This is the starting lineup Kenny Atkinson went with on Friday against the Indiana Pacers. LeVert made his first career NBA start, but did not play well, finishing with just four points. Hollis-Jefferson also started for the second consecutive game, but this time, as a power forward. It’s unclear whether Atkinson will stick with the same starters, but this post will continually be updated as tip-off approaches.

      Raptors:

        The Raptors have used this starting lineup for their past three games after losing DeMar DeRozan last week to an ankle injury. However, as mentioned, Toronto has multiple players in this rotation whose conditions are up in the air for today’s game against Brooklyn. We’ll see what happens as tip-off approaches.

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        Injuries

        Nets:

          Raptors:

            The game will be broadcast on YES network at 12 PM EST. Join the conversation by tweeting @NetsBlogFS.