Sports Betting Picks

Brooklyn Nets vs Toronto Raptors – NBA Preview – Jan 1, 2025

The Brooklyn Nets visit the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on January 1, 2025, for a matchup between two struggling Eastern Conference teams. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. The Nets sit at 12th in the conference with a 12-20 record, while the Raptors have sunk to 14th with a 7-26 record.

This game comes just two weeks after Brooklyn defeated Toronto 101-94 on December 19. Both teams are coming off losses, with the Raptors reeling from an embarrassing 54-point loss to the Celtics, the largest margin of defeat in franchise history. Meanwhile, the Nets recently lost to Orlando by one point following a significant roster shake-up.

Brooklyn Preview – Adjusting After a Trade

The Brooklyn Nets traded Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to the Lakers for D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis, shaking up their roster. In their most recent loss to Orlando, Noah Clowney stepped up, scoring 13 points while shooting 60% from beyond the arc. Clowney has averaged 13.4 points over the last five games and is expected to play an expanded role moving forward.

Brooklyn’s offense has been inconsistent, ranking 26th in the league at 107.8 points per game. The Nets rely heavily on perimeter shooting, ranking 10th in three-point percentage at 37.3%. Defensively, they’ve shown flashes but often fail to close out games, as seen in their blown 21-point lead against Orlando.

Head coach Jordi Fernandez emphasized patience with Clowney’s development and the need for the team to execute consistently, particularly late in games. The Nets will look to build on their December win over the Raptors and snap a stretch of four losses in five games.

Toronto Preview – Searching for Answers

The Toronto Raptors are in the midst of an 11-game losing streak, including their historic blowout loss to Boston. They’ve struggled with turnovers, committing 52 over their past two games, and their shooting woes were highlighted by a 31.4% effort against the Celtics.

Coach Darko Rajakovic noted some positives in their first-half defensive effort against Boston but emphasized the need to “turn the page” and refocus for the Nets. Toronto’s offense ranks near the bottom of the league at 107.8 points per game, and they are heavily reliant on RJ Barrett, who missed the Boston game due to illness.

The Raptors’ defense has been similarly inconsistent, ranking 27th in points allowed. Gradey Dick and Barrett’s availability could be key factors, as the Raptors look to end their losing streak against a fellow struggling team.

Betting Prediction

Toronto is a slight favorite at -2.5 with a total set at 220.5 points. Despite their home-court advantage, the Raptors’ inability to execute offensively and their defensive struggles make them a risky pick. Brooklyn’s recent roster changes could provide a spark, and their December victory over Toronto gives them confidence.

With both teams struggling defensively, the over on the total is a reasonable play. A projected score of 112-108 in favor of Brooklyn makes the Nets an appealing pick as an underdog.

Pick: Brooklyn +2.5, Over 220.5

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