Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada

When: Monday, February 11th at 7:30 PM EST

How (TV/Radio): YES, SN1 | WFAN, TSN Radio 1050 Toronto

Brooklyn Nets (Away)

Head Coach: Kenny Atkinson {All-Time 77-143 | BKN}

The Brooklyn Nets maintain a comfortable, if not an entirely secure, grasp on sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Brooklyn Nets have a 29-28 record, very possibly prime position in the East come playoffs.

Over their last ten games the Brooklyn Nets have stumbled. Once on a six game win streak, the Nets are 2-4 since that excellent stretch of wins. In their last ten the Nets are 5-5 with a -0.6 point differential.

The Brooklyn Nets take on a Raptors team that are looking to integrate a whole new batch of players at a very critical point in the season. The Raptors now boast three of the NBA’s best defensive players – Lowry, Leonard, and Gasol – who are certain to affect the Nets’ offensive schemes.

Toronto Raptors (Home)

Head Coach: Nick Nurse {All-Time 40-16 | TOR}

The Toronto Raptors are a mere two games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for first in the Eastern Conference. With a record of 40-16 the Toronto Raptors are not far from taking back their spot at the top of the conference.

In their last ten games the Toronto Raptors are 7-3. They very impressively maintain a +5.6 point differential in that same span of time.

The Raptors face off against a Brooklyn squad that has struggled as of late. While they were in form earlier in the month, the Nets have faltered against tougher competition. The Raptors are yet to fill their roster, so it will be a question as to how in-sync they will be against the young Brooklyn squad.

What’s At Stake?

The Toronto Raptors have dominated the all-time series with the Brooklyn Nets. Over 26 all-time meetings, the Toronto Raptors lead the Brooklyn Nets 18-8.

A win for the Brooklyn Nets would keep them sixth but place them 2.5 games ahead of the Charlotte Hornets in seventh.

A win for the Toronto Raptors would make them equal in wins with the Milwaukee Bucks, but keep them second in the East due to win percentage.

Questions to answer

Will Caris LeVert bolster the Nets?

What does Marc Gasol bring to the Toronto Raptors?

We are going to compare the Brooklyn Nets and the Toronto Raptors in an attempt to see who has the advantage in this matchup.

Caris LeVert Returned After A 42-Game Absence

After a difficult injury, Nets wing Caris LeVert returned after a prolonged 42 game absence. Unfortunately the Nets lost in his reintroduction into the lineup to the lowly Chicago Bulls.

“I don’t want to make it about me because I wish we would have won the game for sure, but that’s expected,” LeVert said after the game. “We didn’t come back to just be there. We wanted to be better than before.”

Regardless of the result the Brooklyn Nets received excellent contributions from LeVert. He contributed 11 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and an astounding 5 steals in his return. The Nets have a deep team that can contribute in many ways. With LeVert back in the lineup the Nets may be able to make a run to watch out for.

Marc Gasol Is A 3x All-Star and Former Defensive Player of the Year

Marc Gasol’s accomplishments truly speak for themselves. He is a former defensive player of the year with the ability to score on his own. His playmaking is a fantastic addition to a Raptors team that struggles without Lowry and Leonard on the court.

After the NBA trade deadline the Toronto Raptors had five players leave with only Gasol in return. With the Spaniard in tow the Raptors main lineup is formidable, but they are missing the supporting cast needed in a pinch.

The Toronto Raptors will be looking to the buy-out market and the G-League to fill their roster. They have already signed former two-way player Malcolm Miller to a ten-day contract and are certain to bring along more of their G-League stable with them until they complete their roster.

Brooklyn Nets Roster Notes

G Spencer Dinwiddie – 26 Jan 2019 – Out (Torn Right Thumb Ligaments) – Dinwiddie will undergo surgery on Monday to repair torn ligaments in his right thumb.

F Jared Dudley – 5 Feb 2019 – Out (Left Hamstring) – The Nets have listed Dudley as OUT for Wednesday’s game (Feb. 6) against the Nuggets.

Toronto Raptors Roster Notes

F Malcolm Miller – 8 Feb 2019 – The Toronto Raptors signed Miller to a 10-Day contract.

Head-to-Head: Ed Davis vs Marc Gasol

Ed Davis

Center | 6-10, 225lb (208cm, 102kg) | North Carolina | Exp. 8 Years

6.0 PPG | 0.8 APG | 8.7 RPG | 0.5 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 0.8 TOV | .619 FG% | .000 3P%

Marc Gasol

Center | 7-1, 255lb (216cm, 115kg) | Girona/Spain | Exp. 10 Years

15.7 PPG | 4.7 APG | 8.6 RPG | 1.1 SPG | 1.2 BPG | 2.2 TOV | .444 FG% | .344 3P%

Two traditional big men face off against each other in the paint when the Raptors and Nets meet. Newly acquired Raptor Marc Gasol will challenge the Brooklyn Nets’ reserve enforcer Ed Davis for dominance in this Atlantic Division matchup.

Ed Davis has been able to stay relevant in an NBA that fails to appreciate his skill set. Davis is a mobile centre with a tenacious demeanour on the offensive and defensive glass. What he lacks offensively he more than makes up for with defensive athleticism and intelligence.

Whether Gasol or Ibaka start for the Toronto Raptors is still up for debate. Gasol’s resume suggests he should start, but the chemistry between Ibaka and his teammates is apparent. Regardless of starting five, Gasol provides an all-star level of talent for the Toronto Raptors. He is a capable individual scorer and defender and operates fantastically as a high-post playmaker. All signs point to the Gasol acquisition being a positive one.

Brooklyn Nets at Toronto Raptors Predictions and Odds

The odds will be updated as they are made available.