Nets vs. Raptors NBA expert prediction and odds for Thursday, Feb. 22 (Back Brooklyn on the road)

The NBA is back as teams will compete over the next two months to secure a playoff bid. The Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors will likely not be two of those teams with both franchises on the outside looking in on the Eastern Conference playoff picture. 

Toronto lost three straight and six of eight overall heading into the All-Star break while Brooklyn dropped back-to-back games and five of six. The Nets are just 2.5 games back of No. 10 Atlanta for a play-in tournament appearance, but will need a strong start to the second half beginning Thursday night against the Raptors.

Can you trust the Raptors as small favorites at Scotiabank Arena? Here’s the betting preview for Thursday’s conference clash with a best bet. 

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Nets vs. Raptors odds, spread and total

Nets vs. Raptors how to watch

• Date: Thursday, Feb. 22 
• Game time: 7 p.m. EST
• Venue: Scotiabank Arena
• How to watch (TV): Bally Sports
• Nets record: 21-33
• Raptors record: 19-36

Nets vs. Raptors injury report

Brooklyn Nets

• No injuries to report

Toronto Raptors

• No injuries to report

Nets vs. Raptors key players to watch

Nets

Mikal Bridges: Bridges' name was tossed around the NBA Trade deadline rumor mill like wildfire, but he ultimately stayed in Brooklyn. The former first-round pick scored 20-plus points in three of four games before putting up just 10 in an all-around abysmal Brooklyn performance in a 136-86 loss to Boston. Bridges is averaging 20-plus points for the second straight season with the Nets after coming over from Phoenix. 

Raptors

Scottie Barnes: Just two seasons ago, Barnes was the NBA’s Rookie of the Year. He’s quickly moved on to be the second-longest tenured player on the Raptors’ roster, the team’s only All-Star and the face of a rebuild north of the border. Barnes is averaging career-highs across the board in points (20.1), rebounds (8.1) and assists (six).

Nets vs. Raptors prediction and pick

Brooklyn has not been a profitable underdog this season, going just 14-20-3 ATS when getting points. However, you’re not gonna find many spots to support two non-playoff teams. Toronto is just 9-11 ATS as a favorite and 12-15 ATS at home this season.

Simply put, it's difficult to trust bad teams laying points. Brooklyn might be 12 games under .500, but the Nets have hammered bad teams, going 12-7 straight up against squads with losing records. Toronto has been dreadful at home this season, ranking 27th in the NBA in home scoring at just 111 points per game. 

Led by 20-point scorers in Bridges and Cam Thomas, the Nets can still take advantage of a Toronto defense that is 25th in allowing points in the paint and 23rd in permitting second-chance points (Brooklyn is sixth in the NBA in offensive rebounding). Take the Nets as a short road underdog. 

Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.