Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors Game 2 Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Toronto Raptors lead the series 0-1.
• Brooklyn were led in scoring by Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot in Game 1.
• The Raptors covered the point spread and total in their last match.

Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors Odds

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Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors Predictions and Picks

Brooklyn showed some promise in the last match, but it ultimately wasn’t enough. While the scoreline may be closer in Game 2, the Nets remain outmatched.

Picks:

Toronto Raptors def. Brooklyn Nets -715

Toronto -11 -110

Over 226.5 -113

How to Watch Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors

Head-to-Head: Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors

Brooklyn Can Use Their Speed

The Brooklyn Nets can take pride in the fact that they pulled their once 33-point deficit to the Raptors down to just eight during their Game 1 blowout. While they failed to find much success anywhere on the court, they were at a decided advantage when they pushed the pace.

Brooklyn doesn’t create the most possessions, but they were able to bring the game within eight due to them challenging the Raptors bigs on the break. Toronto is a good fast-break team themselves, but with so many players cutting to the basket and Marc Gasol committing at the top of the key as a passer, Brooklyn can really take advantage in transition.

That speed advantage forced Raptors coach Nick Nurse to play starting center Gasol just 20 minutes in the game. While Toronto adjusted with the insertion of Ibaka and former Net Hollis-Jefferson, the Nets certainly have a way to make the Raptors play their way in Game 2.

Toronto Needs Another Strong Start

The Toronto Raptors humbled the upstart Brooklyn Nets in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round series. Despite a late fight by the seventh seed, the Raptors were able to take the game with ease due to their incredibly strong start to the game.

Bolstered by a charming introduction to the game by family members, the Toronto Raptors outscored the Brooklyn Nets in the first half, 73 to 51. At one point, the reigning champions were up by 33. Brooklyn wasn’t easy to put away though, as they stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring the Raptors by 13.

The Raptors have more talent at every position, however, the speed of the Nets is what brought them back into the game. While a 33-point cushion is too much to ask of Toronto, the speed at which Brooklyn can go on scoring runs is something Toronto will need to be wary of.

Nets Key Player: (F) Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

26 PTS | 7 REB

? | @timcabs matched a Nets playoff record with 6 threes off the bench pic.twitter.com/iSc5erEAL1

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) August 17, 2020

French international Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, otherwise known as TLC, has been brilliant for the Nets since the restart. Stepping up to the challenge and opportunity, Luwawu-Cabarrot averaged 14.8 points on 50.6% shooting from the field during the seeding schedule.

Head coach Jacque Vaughan rewarded his efforts with 33 minutes off the bench in Game 1, where TLC produced 26 points and seven rebounds on 69.2% shooting from the field and 66.7% shooting from three.

Luwawu-Cabarrot was the beneficiary of the Raptors blitzing Caris LeVert in the halfcourt, even doubling him in the fourth quarter. If the Frenchman can maintain his torrid shooting, it could swing the match in Brooklyn’s favor.

Raptors Key Player: (F) Pascal Siakam

Lowry ➡️ Siakam… Touchdown!#NBAPlayoffs on ESPN pic.twitter.com/0fr9KO1u56

— NBA (@NBA) August 17, 2020

All eyes were on Pascal Siakam to make an impact as the go-to guy for the Toronto Raptors and in Game 1 he was, frankly, underwhelming.

Siakam put up solid numbers overall, posting 18 points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes of play. However, Siakam’s efficiency was poor and he showed a lack of savvy in difficult offensive situations.

For the Raptors to continue their run, Siakam must return to his regular-season form. His nine-of-nine night at the free-throw line was the most promising thing about his performance, but it’s unlikely his 30.8% shooting night can be made up for by his teammates again.