Raptors vs. Nets Prediction and Odds for Friday, December 2 (It's Impossible to Fade Kevin Durant Right Now)
By Josh Yourish
The Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets were both expected to be postseason bound, but so far they’re both just a game over .500.
The Raptors come off a 126-108 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans to leave their record at 11-10. Brookyln’s last outing was a 113-107 win over the Washington Wizards, led by 39 points from Kevin Durant.
The 12-11 Nets are without Ben Simmons for this one, he is missing time with injury, but the team does seem to be coming together some with wins in three straight games.
Durant’s team is a slight favorite at home in Brooklyn, so let’s get to the odds for this one.
Raptors vs. Nets Odds, Spread and Total
Raptors vs. Nets Prediction and Pick
These teams matched up very early in the season, the second game for both teams and Brooklyn got the 109-105 win. In that game, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant led Brooklyn to the victory and they’ve been carrying the offense lately. That’s the way this team was constructed and despite all of the turmoil, it’s actually working right now. Durant is averaging 30.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists while playing 36.7 minutes a game. He’s having an unreal season and will be a handful even for Toronto’s bunch of versatile wing-defenders.
OG Anunoby has broken out this year and has been a top notch two-way player. He’s averaging 18.7 points and 2.3 steals. He will likely be tasked with defending KD, while Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr. and even Pascal Siakam could get some time on Durant.
Brooklyn is playing well on the offensive end, and while they aren’t great defensively, they are actually fourth in opponents points in the paint. With Toronto being 25th in three-point percentage, they will have to attack the rim and the Nets’ surprisingly stout paint defense could force them to struggle. KD is playing like an MVP right now, and I find it hard to bet against him.
Pick: Nets -138
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change