The Raptors (32-27, 7th in East) and Nets (32-29, 8th in East) begin a home and home series that could be crucial for playoff/play-in seeding down the stretch. Brooklyn won the first two matchups this season with Kevin Durant playing in both games and James Harden suiting up for one. Obviously Harden is gone, KD is expected to miss at least the next two games and Kyrie Irving can’t play in New York or Toronto. Also Ben Simmons return to the court is unknown.

However don’t underestimate Brooklyn’s supporting cast. The Nets are 3-4 since the Harden deal, including a win Saturday in Milwaukee with the Bucks big three intact (although Irving played in that game). LaMarcus Aldridge can be exposed defensively, but is still a problem to defend on pick and pops and midrange post-ups. Blake Griffin is still serviceable when called upon. Bruce Brown is known as a capable defender and has also scored in double figures in five of the Nets last six games.

There was also the stunning 28 point comeback against the Knicks led by rookie Cam Thomas’ 16 fourth points a couple of weeks ago which officially broke Stephen A. Smith.

The New York Knicks are a national disgrace, Ladies and Gentlemen. pic.twitter.com/4sxpzgWAkC

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) February 17, 2022

Then there are the new guys. Seth Curry is averaging 19 points on 50 percent shooting in five games since being traded from Philadelphia. Andre Drummond has also been contributing on his new team, averaging a double double (11 pts/reb).

Patty Mills is still fairly new to Brooklyn, being his first season there. Mills can be streaky which means he might be due. Patty has shot 0-12 in the first two games after the all-star break, scoring a single point in each game.

Meanwhile the Raptors desperately need a spark to get the motor running again. Toronto has been blown out by over 25 points in three of its last four games. The only other time the Raps took such a lopsided L was in Cleveland on Boxing Day, which was the peak of replacement players. OG Anunoby doesn’t seem to be walking through that door anytime soon. Nick Nurse could make a lineup change to help with the slow starts of late.

Nurse on Khem Birch: "He's not in very good rhythm, it doesn't seem, so hopefully he plays his way back into it."

I asked Nick if he'd consider moving Achiuwa into the starting lineup: "Yeah, we may consider that. You never know."

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) February 27, 2022

Some good news: Pascal Siakam is not listed on the injury report, meaning his flu symptoms appear to be behind him.

Player to Watch

It has to be Goran Dragic after being traded to San Antonio in the Thad Young deal and being bought out, then signing with the Nets. It also costed Toronto a lottery protected 2022 first round pick.

“Steve was my mentor. … To finish my career with [Nash] would be awesome.”

Goran Dragic on why he picked Brooklyn

(via @SNYNets)pic.twitter.com/TUwd2HsZYb

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 24, 2022

Goran’s Raptor “tenure” was controversial to say the least, from overseas comments following the Kyle Lowry trade to being in and out of Miami Heat facilities after taking an excused absence from the team. Dragic played 14 minutes against the Bucks, scoring six points in his first action since November 13th!

Goran Dragic hits the three for his first Nets bucket 💦 pic.twitter.com/fFi9XvJUH5

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 27, 2022

This isn’t exactly the must see Dragic game though, as that will come on the second leg of this series in front of fans in Toronto.

Game Info

Tip-Off: 7:30pm EST | TV: TSN 1/3/4/5 | Radio: TSN 1050

Toronto Raptors Results, Lineups & Injuries

Brooklyn Nets Results, Lineups & Injuries