USA Today via Reuters
Jan 27, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) is defended by Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) and center DeAndre Jordan (6) and forward Kevin Durant (7) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 27, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) is defended by Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) and center DeAndre Jordan (6) and forward Kevin Durant (7) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Toronto Raptors in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Brooklyn Nets have been an offensive juggernaut. The trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving have been balling out since the Harden trade happened. However, the trio has significantly weakened the team defensively, making them the worst defense in the league right now.
The Raptors, on the other hand, have had a mixed season. Currently, they stand at 9-12 for this season. The losses of Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol during the off-season have significantly hurt them. But slowly, they have been picking up form. Fred VanVleet has looked reinvigorated over the past few games. He even dropped a career-high 54 points against the Orlando Magic.
With that in mind, take a look at the Nets vs Raptors game.
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Brooklyn Nets – Team News
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 31, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards center Alex Len (27) defends in the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Nets have all of their available players. Only Spencer Dinwiddie and Nicolas Claxton are unavailable after suffering major injuries. But Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving are fit and ready to go. The trio has been phenomenal and is on track to be the greatest offense in the history of the NBA.
Predicted Lineup: Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Joe Harris, Jeff Green
Toronto Raptors – Team News
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 2, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Raptors’ head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that OG Anunoby will be unavailable for the game because of a strained left calf. Additionally, Patrick McCaw is also unavailable since he is recovering from his injury. However, the rest of the roster is available, and they will have their choice of starters.
READ MORE: Raptors’ Fred VanVleet Breaks Multiple Records During 54 Point Performance Against Magic
Predicted Lineup: Fred VanVleet, Kyle Lowry, Norman Powell, Pascal Siakam, Aron Baynes
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Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors – Prediction
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 2, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) knocks a pass away from Brooklyn Nets power forward Jeff Green (8) in front of Clippers point guard Reggie Jackson (1) and Nets power forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets have been inconsistent so far. While the new big three have been an attacking force, they have been poor defensively. All the Nets’ games have been high scoring affairs on both ends. However, the Toronto Raptors have been poor in several stages this year and have failed to defeat a solid contender, so expect the Nets to get the win.
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Prediction: The Brooklyn Nets outscore the Raptors to pick up a major win.
Who will win between Toronto and Brooklyn? It promises to be an entertaining affair with players from both teams starting to find their form. The trio of James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving will be looking to build further chemistry.
