The Toronto Raptors (18-8) welcome the Brooklyn Nets (11-16) to Air Canada Centre as they attempt to extend their seven-game home winning streak. The game can be seen on YES Network at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, December 15, 2017.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 218 points with Toronto opening as an 11-point favorite.
Brooklyn Nets at Toronto Raptors Free Prediction
The Nets are hoping for a better outcome after their 111-104 loss to the New York Knicks in their last matchup. New York’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Brooklyn. The Knicks had a rate of 11.6 (better than their season average of 14.2), while the Nets posted a mark of 15.4. Spencer Dinwiddie led Brooklyn in scoring with 26 points on 9-for-17 shooting.
In the Raptors’ last matchup, they beat the Phoenix Suns, 115-109. Toronto had a turnover percentage of 5.4 (better than their season average of 12.6). Phoenix, meanwhile, did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (27-34; 79.4 percent). DeMar DeRozan was the top scorer from either team with 37 points on 12-for-24 shooting.
The prolific offense of Toronto will battle against the mid-tier defense of Brooklyn. The Raptors currently rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Nets are 19th in defensive efficiency. The Raptors should have the edge on that end of the court. Furthermore, the Nets rank fifth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.219), while the Raptors rank 27th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.227).
Brooklyn heads into the game with records of 11-16 straight up (SU) and 17-9 against the spread (ATS). It’s tough to find a trend for Nets games in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Toronto is 18-8 SU and 14-12 ATS. Games involving the Raptors also have no tendency in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Both teams have had a couple of players heat up over their last five games. For the Nets it’s been Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds) and Caris LeVert (14.4 points, 6.4 assists and 1.4 steals), while DeRozan (22.8 points, 7.2 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals) and Serge Ibaka (18.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks) have been fantastic for the Raptors.
After the Raptors won all four meetings against the Nets last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, Toronto won 103-95. Toronto had a much better turnover percentage (10.3 vs. 19.8). Brooklyn, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (18-21; 85.7 percent).
Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Nets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Brooklyn is 10-5 ATS on the road with 9 unders and 6 overs.
Toronto is 5-5 ATS at home with 7 overs and 3 unders.
When allowing under 100 points, Toronto is 7-2 and Brooklyn is 6-0.
When reaching the century mark, the Raptors are 17-4 and the Nets are 9-14.
Toronto ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (41.5) while Brooklyn ranks 29th (46.7).
The Raptors rank eighth in steals per game (8.4) while the Nets rank 26th (6.9).
Toronto ranks sixth in blocks per game (5.3) while Brooklyn ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.4).
The Raptors rank fourth in points in the paint per game (47.7) while the Nets rank 21st in points allowed in the paint per game (45.4).
Toronto ranks third in points off turnovers per game (19.3) while Brooklyn ranks 19th (15.9).
The Nets average 12.5 second chance points per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. The Raptors rank 25th in second chance points allowed per game (13.7).
Brooklyn ranks 12th in fast break points per game (11.9) while Toronto ranks 23rd in fast break points allowed per game (12.9).
The Nets rank second in three pointers attempted per game (34.4) while the Raptors rank sixth (31.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Brooklyn is 3-2 ATS with 5 unders.
Toronto is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Nets have outscored opponents by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Brooklyn has been defeated by an average of 2.4 points.
During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 110.0 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 102.4 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
