The Toronto Raptors (1-0) visit Barclays Center Friday to take on the Brooklyn Nets (0-1). Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Nets enter this home battle having lost 130-108 as 3-point favorites to the New Orleans Pelicans at Barclays Center Wednesday.
Despite 32 points from F Kevin Durant, the Nets got just a combined 19 from former All-Stars G Kyrie Irving and G Ben Simmons. The chemistry will grow, but this will be another difficult matchup against a playoff-caliber side.
The Raptors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-105 as 2.5-point favorites but were probably fortunate that Cavs G Darius Garland went down in the 1st half. Toronto had 6 players score in double figures.
C Pascal Siakam led the way with 23 points. The key strength for Toronto is on the defensive side of the court with F OG Anunoby and second-year F Scottie Barnes providing length and athleticism.
Raptors at Nets odds
- Moneyline (ML): Raptors +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Nets -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +2.5 (-108) | Nets -2.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Raptors at Nets key injuries
Raptors
- C Chris Boucher (hamstring) questionable
- F Otto Porter Jr. (hamstring) out
Nets
- G Seth Curry (ankle) out
- G Joe Harris (foot) probable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Raptors at Nets picks and predictions
Prediction
Raptors 115, Nets 113
Moneyline
SPRINKLE RAPTORS (+115).
The Raptors took down the Cavs, a team likely to contend in the Eastern Conference, while the Nets were destroyed at home and showed little team chemistry with Simmons back on the floor.
Durant went off, and Brooklyn still struggled which is concerning as it’s going up against a Toronto team that has size and skillful defenders.
The Raps won despite shooting 41.9% from the field. They were the 2nd-best offensive-rebounding team last season and had 12 in their opener. The Nets allowed 21 offensive boards.
That energy will be the difference and a key reason why I like the Raptors here.
Against the spread
BET RAPTORS +2.5 (-108).
The rebounding, the size, the defending — the Raptors have the pieces to tame the Durant-led Nets. Brooklyn also has issues with key role players. Curry is out for this game and while Harris is probable to make his season debut, he’s returning from ankle surgery and is likely to be limited.
The Raptors’ suffocating defense should thrive.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 226.5 (-110).
21 offensive rebounds are no accident, and the Nets are going to allow those extra opportunities to a team that was better on the offensive glass than New Orleans a season ago.
The Raptors scored 108 against a strong defensive side in Cleveland.
With those opportunities and likely better percentages from the field along with a hopeful uptick in production from Irving, expect the Over to be the better side of this battle.