The Brooklyn Nets (23-49) are favored by 1.5 points to halt a four-game losing streak when they face the Toronto Raptors (25-47) at Barclays Center on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcasted on YES and TSN, with the total points set at 214.5.
As the season winds down, both teams find themselves in challenging positions, with the Nets struggling to find their rhythm and the Raptors looking to capitalize on their opportunities. The Nets have a 3-7 record against the spread when favored by 1.5 points or more this season, while the Raptors boast a solid 35-22-1 record when underdogs by the same margin.
Interestingly, the matchup's over/under of 214.5 points is slightly lower than the combined average points scored by both teams, which stands at 215.7. Opponents have averaged 227.2 points per game against these teams, indicating that defensive strategies will be crucial in this game.
The Nets are averaging 105.3 points per game, ranking 29th in the league, while allowing 111.5 points, which is ninth in the NBA. They have struggled offensively, with a -449 scoring differential overall, being outscored by an average of 6.2 points per game. Their rebounding numbers are also concerning, as they average only 41.2 rebounds per game, placing them 29th in the league.
On the other hand, the Raptors are being outscored by an average of 5.3 points per game, with a -383 scoring differential. They score 110.4 points per game, putting them 24th in the NBA, while giving up 115.7 points, ranking 21st. Toronto's rebounding game is slightly better, averaging 45 rebounds, which ranks them 10th in the league.
Key players for the Nets include Keon Johnson, who leads the team with 10.2 points per game, along with 3.7 rebounds and two assists. D’Angelo Russell contributes 13 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, while Nic Claxton adds 10.2 points, 2.3 assists, and 7.6 rebounds per contest. Claxton has been a focal point for the Nets but has not quite met expectations this season.
Meanwhile, the Raptors will look to Scottie Barnes, who is averaging 19.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. RJ Barrett is another key player, averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 6.5 rebounds. Both players are crucial for Toronto's chances of success in this matchup.
Despite the Nets' struggles, owner Joe Tsai remains committed to building a winning team. Speaking at a CNBC conference in Singapore, Tsai emphasized that his focus is on winning championships rather than financial returns. “For a sports owner, the return season after season is winning. Every season, you’re trying to win the championship, so you want to win games, right?” he stated, highlighting his passion for sports.
Tsai also holds a 3% interest in the Miami Dolphins but insists that his priority lies with the Nets. “I’ve got to take care of the Brooklyn Nets first, which means you need to win first in the sport that you’re already involved in,” he said.
As the season progresses, trade rumors surrounding players like Cameron Johnson have begun to surface. Johnson, who was considered a prime trade candidate before the February deadline, expressed his commitment to helping his younger teammates improve. “It’s not like I’m out there barking at them every day about this, about that. But anytime I can help them, or seen something that I’ve been through that I see they’re going through, I try to help,” he noted.
However, Johnson will not play against the Raptors due to the coaching staff's decision to rest him. Additionally, Day’Ron Sharpe will also miss the game due to a right knee sprain. These absences could impact the Nets' performance as they strive to end their losing streak.
Looking ahead, the Nets are at a crossroads with their roster. With players like Cam Thomas sidelined for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury, the team must make critical decisions regarding their future. Thomas is set to become a restricted free agent if the team extends a qualifying offer, while other players, including Ziaire Williams and Trendon Watford, are also facing uncertain futures.
As for Nic Claxton, who is in the first season of his four-year, $100 million contract, his performance has drawn scrutiny. Averaging only 10 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, both lower than his previous season, Claxton has been identified as a potential trade target for the offseason. According to Bleacher Report, the Nets are open to listening to offers for him as they look to refresh their roster.
With the game against the Raptors looming, the Nets will need to find a way to rally together and leverage their home-court advantage. The predicted score for this matchup is a narrow victory for the Nets, at 111-110, with the over/under set at 214.5 points.
As the Nets aim to break their losing streak, all eyes will be on the Barclays Center, where fans hope to witness a turnaround in their team’s fortunes.
