Kathy Willens/The Associated Press
The last time the Toronto Raptors were in Brooklyn, they failed to clinch a second round playoff birth, losing to the Brooklyn Nets in game six.This time around, the optics of the match up have changed. The Nets are currently out of the playoff picture, which is a feat considering the teams competing for the bottom two seeds of the East. Meanwhile, the Raptors are in a fight for the number two seed in the East, and need to do everything to avoid that dangerous 4-5 match up in the playoffs. It’s that very reason why games against struggling teams like the Nets need to be taken advantage of.
Cage’s Keys to the Game
Pull ahead early and maintain
It’s simple: Don’t let the Nets hang around in this one. They’re 2-11 in their last 13, and losers of three straight games. During the losing streak, they’ve been outscored by an average of 114.7-86.3. Come out strong, stay focused, take care of your work early, and try to give your starters some rest ahead of tomorrow night’s game against the Washington Wizards.
Get to the Free Throw Line
DeMar DeRozan may have only gotten to the line four times against the Sacramento Kings, but it’s something that he’s been more successful at of late as he gets stronger post-injury. It slows the game down for the Raptors and allows them to set their defence. Not allowing easy buckets for the Nets in transition will be key in this one.
Battle of the benches
This is the area of the game where the Raptors have the biggest advantage over the Nets. With Mirza Teletovic and Deron Williams lost due to injury, the Nets bench is paper thin. Patrick Patterson, Lou Williams, and a somewhat resurgent Terrence Ross will have a prime opportunity to put many miles between their team and the opposition.
X-Factor: Lou Williams
Williams was able to get the charity stripe nine times against the Kings off of some crafty manoeuvring on his jump shots. His ability to draw these fouls, as well as his range from the land beyond, will be key against a struggling Nets team and their depleted bench. Williams can give the Raptors a lot of separation early if he plays well tonight.
