Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors
PREVIEW: The Toronto Raptors arrive at Barclays Center as heavy favorites against the struggling Brooklyn Nets, who sit at just 1-9 after a blowout loss to the Knicks. Brooklyn's situation grows more dire with Cam Thomas sidelined by a hamstring injury, forcing secondary creators to shoulder increased offensive responsibility. Toronto enters the matchup with strong passing mechanics ranked third in the league, while Brooklyn counters with elite offensive rebounding at 32.3 percent, the second-best mark in the NBA. The Raptors, sitting at 5-5 after winning four of their last five, look to maintain momentum as they pursue a playoff berth in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Brooklyn's offensive identity centers on high-volume three-point attempts at 48.4 percent frequency, but they rank 26th in shooting efficiency from deep and 26th in attacking the rim. The Nets' defensive rating remains among the league's worst, with particular vulnerabilities in rebounding and transition coverage. Toronto's Immanuel Quickley presents an intriguing matchup, with Brooklyn dead last in defensive rating and opponent assists per game. The Raptors have climbed to 13th in net rating and 12th in offensive efficiency this season, providing evidence they can control a game against a depleted Brooklyn squad searching for answers.