Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors Preview
The Brooklyn Nets continue to struggle defensively, learning a harsh lesson after conceding a barrage of three-pointers to the New York Knicks in a 33-point loss at Madison Square Garden. As they face the Toronto Raptors next, the team must quickly find answers to their ongoing defensive issues.
Team Overview
The Raptors enter the contest at 5-5 after a 130-120 road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Nets are dealing with injuries and roster changes. Cam Thomas and Haywood Highsmith remain out, and Day’Ron Sharpe is questionable due to left hamstring tightness.
Player Updates
- Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf return from Long Island. Saraf has averaged 18.0 points and 3.0 assists, while Wolf posted 19.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game.
- Nolan Traore stays in the G League, and Sandro Mamukelashvili’s status is uncertain.
Defense and Statistics
“If you can’t defend, you can’t win.”
That saying rings true for Brooklyn, who currently allow 126.6 points per 100 possessions—a number that seems almost impossible. The Nets also rank last in the NBA in rebounding, compounding their defensive troubles by giving up second-chance opportunities. When a team can’t get stops and concedes extra scoring chances, defeat becomes inevitable.
Opponent Analysis
Toronto brings a potent outside attack, shooting 39.1% from beyond the arc, the fifth-best mark in the NBA. Unfortunately for Brooklyn, they are the league’s worst at defending threes, allowing opponents to hit 41% from long range. This matchup could expose that weakness further if the Nets can’t tighten their perimeter defense.
Author’s Summary
The Nets face a tough challenge against the Raptors as defensive lapses and weak rebounding continue to haunt Brooklyn early in the season.