GAMENIGHT

Toronto Raptors (14-23) @ Brooklyn Nets (22-15)

Barclays Center 7:30

TV: YES/ – RADIO: WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM

The Nets will host the Toronto Raptors tonight looking to win their seventh straight game which is already a season high.  Their perfect record against teams under .500 (14-0) will be put to the test as the Raptors have been playing very good basketball of late.

The Bench will need to continue to play well for the Nets to win this game and shut down the pesky Raptors.  The Nets bench has been averaging 38.8 points during the winning streak and Mirza Teletovic and MarShon Brooks are the main reasons for the increased scoring production.  The resurgence of CJ Watson has helped the rotation and allowed PJ Carlesimo to rest Deron Williams for stretches.

The defense has been outstanding during this run and it has not gone unnoticed by the coach or the players.

[quote_box]”We defended very, very well,” Carlesimo said. “Our defense was great and the bench was fantastic. The defense fuels us.”[/quote_box]

Matchup of the Game:  Nets Frontcourt vs Raptors Frontcourt

The combination of Amir Johnson and Ed Davis will test the Nets depth tonight against Brook Lopez and Reggie Evans.  The duo has been playing very well as of late and Johnson/Davis have been averaging 31.6 points and 18.8 rebounds per game in the last four games.  Lopez has been off the last few games with his shot and Evans was overmatched by David West last game so a big game from both is needed.

Injury Report:

Nets:       Gerald Wallace (bruised ribs) is out

Andray Blatche (illness) is game-time decision

Raptors:  Linas Kleiza (sore right knee) is day-to-day

Andrea Bargnani (Torn right elbow ligament & strained right wrist) is out

Jonas Valanciunas (Fractured metacarpal on right ring finger) is out