The race for the playoff places in the NBA is heating up, with the positions between seventh and tenth being the most interesting in the Eastern Conference. Teams that finish in between those places will need to play in a play-in competition for a position in the playoffs. Toronto Raptors will be looking to maintain their decent run of form against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
Raptors vs Nets Schedule
- When: Wednesday, 21st April
- Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa
- How To Watch: NBA League Pass
Raptors vs Nets Preview
Raptors Looking For Fourth Straight Win
The Toronto Raptors face a huge challenge to finish in the playoff positions in the NBA this season, as they need to rise from 12th to tenth before the close of the regular season. Fortunately for the 2019 champions, they have hit a good run of form recently, as they have won their last three ahead of this clash with the Nets on Wednesday. The Raptors have a win percentage of .414, which is just slightly lower than the average recorded by the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls. It has taken a while for the Raptors to bounce back from a disappointing run of form, which was in part down to players being missing due to COVID-19.
Toronto have won six of their previous ten, and come into this game against one of the favorites to win the NBA after beating Oklahoma City Thunder over the weekend. The Raptors claimed a 112-106 success, with Chris Boucher leading Toronto with 31 points. There was no Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby or Pascal Siakam on that night for Toronto, and all could be missing once again against the Nets. Gary Trent Jr has been a revelation since moving to the Raptors, as he scored 23 in their win against the Thunder. The 22-year-old has averaged 15 points per game this season, and could be crucial on Wednesday evening.
Nets Hoping To Bounce Back
The Brooklyn Nets look already assured to finish in the playoff spots, and will not need the play-in competition to secure their spot. The Nets are current second in the Eastern Conference, and have a win percentage of .667. They will still be looking to end the season as strong as possible to assure themselves an easier passage through the post-season.
Brooklyn have won six of their previous ten games, but have struggled on the road. 12 of their 19 defeats have come away from Brooklyn, which includes their recent 109-107 defeat against the Miami Heat. Landry Shamet led the Nets in the victory, as he scored 30 points, while Kyrie Irving scored 20. Kevin Durant played just four minutes in that defeat, as he left the court with a thigh injury. He is unlikely to play a part against the Raptors on Wednesday evening.
Raptors vs Nets Pick & Prediction
There will be a host of stars missing for this game on Wednesday evening, which means that there could be an increased chance of the Raptors winning a fourth straight game.
