Gameday: Nets @ Raptors. March 1

It’s not often in life that things – simply put – go your way. But, for the Raptors they’ve found themselves in an advantageous spot. The second night of a back-to-back against a team they just hammered, and that team doesn’t look to be getting any reinforcements.

The vibes are running high, basketball is hot in the streets, and Malachi Flynn appears to have escaped what Eric Flynn refers to as: Nick’s Nursery. Flynn is operating as a sort of nom de plume for the Raptors bench. Extra time, extra possessions and a return on that investment for the team. Gary Trent Jr. struggled to some degree, Pascal Siakam is still mired in an almost laughable shooting slump (that will end), Fred VanVleet was out – and the Raptors still won.

They were powered by Scottie Barnes historic tip-ins, Flynn’s consistent ‘pnr’ output, and the pre-season stylings of Precious Achiuwa. Pressure defense, pressure offense, and the Raptors made diamonds. It’s imperative that the Raptors find something that works to help out their incumbent stars, and if these games serve to introduce the lesser used players into roles that they’ll eventually succeed in? Then they’re almost as valuable as the W they put in the corresponding column.

According to Play Index, Scottie Barnes has tied the all-time record (since 1996-97, when they started tracking it) for most tip-ins in a single game
— Louis Zatzman (@LouisZatzman) March 1, 2022

So, we get an opportunity to watch the Raptors attempt to do the same thing today. I don’t think there’ll be any changes on the Nets end, and if Nurse was at all entertaining the idea of giving VanVleet two games off? Flynn’s performance should have provided enough to convince him to give his star guard an extra day.

Will we see the culmination of the ideal versions of Barnes, Flynn, and Achiuwa all together again? Unlikely, but it’s easy to expect more offensive pop from Siakam and Trent Jr. to paper over any difference in that regard.

The East is a fight. You have to grab two when you can.

Toronto Raptors Results, Lineups & Injuries

Previous Results

@ Nets W 133-97

@ Hawks L 127-100

@ Hornets L 125-93

@ Timberwolves W 103-91

@ Pelicans L 120-90

Probable Lineup

PF: P. Siakam, T. Young, C. Boucher, P. Achiuwa, D.J. Wilson

SF: S. Barnes, Y. Watanabe, J. Champagnie

C: K. Birch

PG: M. Flynn, D. Banton

SG: G. Trent Jr., S. Mykhailiuk, F. VanVleet

Injuries

Fred VanVleet, SG – Day-To-Day

OG Anunoby, SF – Out moreRaptors head coach Nick Nurse said Anunoby (finger) will visit a hand specialist Monday, Eric Koreen of The Athletic reports.

Brooklyn Nets Results, Lineups & Injuries

Previous Results

vs Raptors L 133-97

@ Bucks W 126-123

vs Celtics L 129-106

vs Wizards L 117-103

@ Knicks W 111-106

Probable Lineup

PF: J. Johnson, B. Griffin, N. Claxton

SF: B. Brown, D. Duke Jr., K. Edwards

C: A. Drummond, L. Aldridge, D. Sharpe

PG: P. Mills, G. Dragic

SG: S. Curry, C. Thomas

Injuries

Andre Drummond, C – Day-To-Day moreDrummond limped to the bench after falling hard on his left knee during Monday’s game against Toronto but was able to return, Chris Milholen of NetsDaily.com reports. He finished with three points (1-3 FG, 1-2 FT), six rebounds, two asissts and one block in 16 minutes.

Kyrie Irving, PG – Out moreIrving’s status for future Nets home games remains uncertain, but for the time being he will not be eligible, even after New York City lifts its vaccine mandate, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

Kevin Durant, PF – Out moreCoach Steve Nash confirmed that Durant (knee) won’t play Monday or Tuesday against the Raptors, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Ben Simmons, PG – Out moreAccording to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Simmons (conditioning) has experienced some back soreness during the reconditioning process and it remains unclear as to when he’ll make his Nets debut.

Joe Harris, SF – Out moreThe Nets will evaluate Harris this week before deciding whether or not he may require a second surgery on his left ankle, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports.