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The Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors will play in an Eastern Conference matchup on Sunday afternoon. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Nets-Raptors prediction and pick.
The Nets and Raptors will battle on Sunday afternoon, with each team coming in hot. Brooklyn has won four straight games, while Toronto has won four of their last five despite dropping a contest Friday to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Nets are led by Kevin Durant, who is enjoying a fantastic start to the season, unlike teammate James Harden. Harden continues to struggle adapting to the NBA's new contact rules, which have seen his free throw rate dwindle early in the new season where the rules have been enforced for the first time.
Here's how bookmakers have set the Nets-Raptors odds for this Sunday matchup.
NBA Odds: Nets-Raptors Odds
Brooklyn Nets -3.5 (-110)
Toronto Raptors +3.5 (-110)
Over 210 points (-110)
Under 210 points (-110)
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Why The Nets Can Cover The Spread
Brooklyn seems to be hitting their stride, rolling off four consecutive wins of late. They will look to make it five vs. a young Raptors team that has looked better of late. Durant is averaging 28 points on a ridiculous 57% shooting so far in 2021-22, carrying the Nets offense seemingly whenever he is needed. While Harden has struggled from the floor, he's still creating for others as he leads the Nets with 9 assists per game.
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One surprising note for the Nets is how well their defense has played early in the year. Brooklyn ranks fifth in the NBA in defensive rating compared to just 21st is offensive rating. If the Nets find some consistency from their non-Durant players offensively, they could be primed to take another leap as a group as they should be much better than 21st in terms of offensive rating based on their personnel. The Nets are slated to have Durant and Harden on Sunday, so they will have a great chance to cover and win this game.
Nic Claxton remains out for the Nets.
Why The Raptors Can Cover The Spread
The Raptors rank sixth in the NBA in net rating in this young season. Like Brooklyn, their defense has been stronger than their offense. That however does not mean this will be a low scoring contest, as their is plenty of firepower on both sides. Toronto has been the top offensive rebounding team so far this season, something that could come up big against a smaller Nets frontline. Brooklyn is still without their starting center, and may struggle to keep the Raptors off the glass.
Pascal Siakam is probable for the Raptors after missing a few games. It will be interesting to see how mixing him back in impacts the team. Toronto should have a good chance to cover and win on their home floor vs. a Nets team that has been in several close games already in 2021-22.
Final Nets-Raptors Prediction & Pick
Toronto has been pretty good of late, but take Durant and the Nets to keep rolling for their fifth straight win along with a cover on Sunday afternoon.
FINAL NETS-RAPTORS PREDICTION & PICK: Nets -3.5 (-110)
