Raptors vs. Nets Prediction and Odds for Friday, October 21 (Back Toronto's Length Against Brooklyn)
By Josh Yourish
We finally got to see Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons on the floor for an NBA regular season game, but we’re still waiting on their first regular season win together. The Brooklyn Nets are 0-1 after a blowout loss to the Pelicans at home, and now the Toronto Raptors, another young, long and athletic team come to town.
Can the Raptors go to 2-0 after a win over Cleveland in their opener, or will Brooklyn figure things out in Game 2 of their season? Let’s check out what Vegas thinks about this one.
Raptors vs. Nets Odds, Spread and Total
Raptors vs. Nets Prediction and Pick
The Raptors essentially have the idealized version of Ben Simmons in Scottie Barnes -- a big, athletic point forward who can make plays for others and is a great defender. Yet, Barnes can actually score. He had 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in their win over Cleveland and looks to be picking up where he left off last season. Pascal Siakam started at center for the Raptors and after a third team All-NBA selection last season, he started off this campaign with 23 points and 11 boards, going up against Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
The Raptors might be the absolute worst matchup for the Nets. Toronto has size all over the place and every guy on their team can get to the basket off the dribble. That’s a nightmare for the Nets who have barely any wing defenders and suspect rim protection. The Toronto starting five has four guys who can legitimately defend Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving, so they will switch everything and create turnovers with their length.
The Nets look like they are far away from becoming a real contender in the Eastern Conference, and I think Toronto gets the win on the road tonight.
Pick: Toronto ML
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change