An exciting Atlantic Division game is set for Wednesday as the Brooklyn Nets host the Toronto Raptors. The Nets have a 23-49 record overall and are 11-23 at home, while the Raptors are 25-47 overall and 9-26 on the road. Brooklyn has dominated recent matchups, winning eight of the last ten against Toronto. However, Toronto won their last meeting on New Year`s Day with a score of 130-113. In the 2024-25 NBA season, the Raptors are 42-28-2 against the spread, and the Nets are 39-33.
The game will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The Brooklyn Nets are currently favored by 2.5 points in the odds, and the over/under is set at 215 points.
Why the Nets Could Cover the Spread
The Nets lost to the Dallas Mavericks 120-101 on Monday, missing D`Angelo Russell due to an ankle injury. However, Russell is expected to play tonight, joining Nic Claxton in the lineup. Claxton scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the previous game. The Raptors will be shorthanded for this game, missing several key rotation players.
Toronto will be without Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poeltl (rest), as well as Gradey Dick (knee) and Chris Boucher (illness). This leaves the Raptors with only two active players who average more than 10 points per game. Defense is a key strength for Brooklyn, ranking ninth in points allowed per game and eighth in fewest 3-pointers conceded. Historically, the Nets have performed well against the Raptors, winning 8-2 outright and covering the spread 7-3 in their last 10 meetings.
Why the Raptors Could Cover the Spread
The Raptors ended their four-game losing streak with a 112-104 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday. It was a balanced team effort with five players scoring in double figures. Scottie Barnes nearly achieved a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Rookie Jamal Shead added 14 points off the bench, continuing his streak of scoring double-digits in recent games.
Toronto excelled in offensive rebounding in their last game, securing 17 offensive boards. This strategy could be effective again on Wednesday as Brooklyn ranks poorly in both total and defensive rebounds per game, presenting second-chance scoring opportunities for the Raptors. Scottie Barnes has consistently played well against the Nets, averaging 21.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 steals in his last 10 games against them.
Jasper Hawthorne