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Nets: Analyzing Possible Playoff Opponent Toronto Raptors

By Colin Braun

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on January 04, 2020 in New York City. The Raptors defeated the Nets 121-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on January 04, 2020 in New York City. The Raptors defeated the Nets 121-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #4 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #4 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Bench Players

The biggest name off the Raptors bench is Serge Ibaka, who started the last three meetings with the Nets while Gasol was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Even at this stage in his career, Ibaka is an elite shot blocker.

Another name to keep an eye on is the former Net Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who is a solid two-way finisher. There are some decent shooters here too, like 25-year-old rookie Matt Thomas, UCLA product Norman Powell, and three-time NBA champ Patrick McCaw.

This bench is one of the best in the league, trailing only the Bucks and Clippers in points. They can shoot the lights out, and always love to push in transition. With certain Nets’ role players opting to sit the rest of the season out, it’s going to be a tall task slowing down this potent secondary unit.

This Season’s Matchups

This season, the Nets are 1-3 against Toronto, with Brooklyn winning the most recent matchup in mid-February. Excluding one blowout Raptors win in early January, all the games have been relatively close, being decided by 10 points or fewer.

In those matchups, the Raptor who seemed to hurt the Nets the most consistently was point guard VanVleet, who played in three of the four matchups, scoring 29 points twice and 22 points, respectively.

On the Brooklyn side, LeVert was the one who led the offensive charge, scoring 37 in the third meeting. He’ll have to be an All-Star all series long for the Nets to advance.

Keys to Success

Diving into the Raptors, it’s easy to point out their strengths, but make no mistake, this team has its so-called “chinks in the armor.” They have the tendency to fall in love with the 3-pointer and possess a lot of aging players.

In a restart as abrupt as this, no one will be in peak physical form. Younger teams like the Nets should have an advantage when it comes to stamina, and while the Raptors love to get out in transition, this restart will certainly test their endurance and mental fortitude. In terms of what the Nets can control, here are four more ways they can win a potential series against Toronto:

  • Limit the Raptors’ bench points
  • Don’t let guys like VanVleet or Powell go off for 25 points or more
  • Get production outside of LeVert and Harris
  • Allen must outplay Gasol and be an effective rim protector against Siakam and Lowry

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