SEASON SERIES:
The Nets are looking to avenge a 91-74 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 6, when they scored a season-low 74 points. Brook Lopez recorded game-highs with 24 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks, but 19 turnovers doomed the Nets, especially during a third quarter comeback bid.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Raptors with 22 points and 11 boards, while Kyle Lowry contributed 17 points and a game-high five steals. DeMar DeRozan scored 15 points.
JURASSIC PARK:
The Nets are making their first trip to Air Canada Centre where the Raptors are 11-6 at home this season. The Nets won their last trip to Jurassic Park – one of the colloquial names for Air Canada Centre – beating the Raptors 109-93. The Nets are 3-3 in their last six road games overall.
KARASEV/BARGNANI UPDATES:
Sergey Karasev (sprained left ankle) is probable for Monday’s game while Andrea Bargnani (sore right ankle) is questionable. Both Karasev and Bargnani suffered the injuries against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
RAPTORS BACKCOURT:
The Raptors have won four in a row, starting with their win over the Nets on Jan. 6. They most recently beat the Orlando Magic 106-103 in London on Thursday.
The Raptors are anchored by the backcourt duo of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, who log some of the heaviest minutes in the league, averaging over 36 per game. Both rank in the NBA’s top-20 in terms of scoring, as DeRozan averages 22.6 ppg, while Lowry averages 20.8 and leads the team with 6.4 apg. Lowry is the better perimeter shooter, knocking down 2.6 threes per game (.369%), while DeRozan is one of the NBA’s top free throw shooters. DeRozan is second to only to James Harden for most free-throw makes (279) and attempts (330) this season, converting 85%.
With the NBA All-Star game taking place in Toronto on Feb. 12-14, at least of one Lowry or DeRozan is expected to represent the Raptors.