The Toronto Raptors are on the final game of their back-to-back road trip. Tonight, the Raps (35-26) will be playing the Brooklyn Nets (31-30) in a must-win game, in order for them not only to secure the season series, but likely the division title. In addition, they’re hoping to add onto their impressive and improved record, going 10 games over .500. They will also miss Patrick Patterson again, who is still resting the sprained nerve in his elbow.
In their last meeting on the road, 2Patt hit the game-winning jumper to steal the win away from the Nets; they’re going to need more stepping up from other players. Last game, it was Steve Novak – who will it be this time? On the other hand, the Nets came off a 104-89 win over the Sacramento Kings, but lost Paul Pierce early in the first quarter with a sore right shoulder after a collision, along with Andrei Kirilenko sustaining a sprained right ankle. Not to mention, Kevin Garnett has missed the past 5 games with a back injury; all 3 players are currently listed as “questionable.”
What do the Raptors need to do in order to take home this very important game? Take a look at our Raptors Cage’s Keys To The Game.
1. Develop Domination In the Paint: EARLY.
The Nets are going to struggle without shot-blocking and an anchor in the middle, due to Brook Lopez‘s season ending injury, and Garnett who may likely sit out this game (even with Garnett in the line-up – slower, older player). Mason Plumlee is an athletic big game, and Andray Blatche is quite the big body, but, they will have their troubles due to size and defensive instincts, or lack thereof. Jonas Valanciunas, Amir Johnson, and Tyler Hansbrough will have a major advantage on the inside, and if they can establish their play early, and inside, it’ll be a long night for the Nets.
2. Attack the Back-Court.
The Nets’ back-court of Deron Williams and Joe Johnson is a dangerous one offensively, along with newly acquired Marcus Thornton coming off the bench. However, they all have one thing in common though, and that’s below average defence; it will be a struggle guarding NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan, and shoulda-been Kyle Lowry. DeMar is coming off a quiet, but deadly 25 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and is averaging 29.7 points in his last three games against the Nets. K-Low is coming off a blue-collar, gritty triple-double of 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. In his last effort against the Nets, he dropped 31 points without his partner, sidelined with his ankle injury. To summarize it, because of the poor defence by the Nets’ guards, DeRozan and Lowry will have to attack to make them work; and possibly put them in foul trouble, or prevent them from finding a rhythm.
3. Weather The Storm
This is arguably the Raptors’ most important game of the season, with a tie-breaker, 10 games over .500, and in the end, it could be for the division banner on the line. The Nets, like all NBA teams, will make their run throughout the game. Expect them to be fired up as well, hoping to gain an advantage game by game to improve their seeding in the standings. Last game, the T-Wolves made multiple runs, but the Raptors were able to counter with an 18-0 run in the second quarter, and another one in which they never looked back. They have to hold the same composure, and same intensity throughout the game, or else they’re not going to come back from behind similar to their last meeting in Brooklyn.
X-Factor: Jonas Valanciunas
Not sure there’s a single player with the length, strength, quickness, and or experience to guard JV tonight. He’s been having a solid past couple games, challenging and battling both DeMarcus Cousins and Nikola Pekovic; two big, strong, and very talented centres in the league. His match-up is much favourable this time around, and after his past couple bouts, he’s got to take advantage, especially if the Raptors want any success in the paint, and against the Nets overall.
