After seven straight games at Scotiabank Arena, the Raptors hit the road and head to Brooklyn to take on the Nets.
Toronto comes into Tuesday's game against the Nets feeling good about itself after blowing out the Kings on Monday.
Rookie Scottie Barnes was a pest defensively on Monday (I mean that in a good way), recording a career-high five blocks while anchoring the team's defence.
"It's really good to see Scottie string up a few really good games like this," Nurse said postgame. "It's good to see him continue to grow."
After hitting some rough patches, the Raptors' defence seems to be returning to form. Over the last five games, Toronto has a defensive rating of 101.5, a number that would rank it second in the league. And with the Raptors not yet at full strength — the team has used nine different starting lineups through 27 games — Raptors fans are only hoping the best is yet to come on that end of the floor.
They'll need another strong effort defensively on Tuesday with the Nets featuring two of the league's best scorers in Kevin Durant and James Harden.
Durant is leading the league in scoring, averaging 29.4 points per game, and is coming off a 51-point effort in a win over Detroit on Sunday. Harden hasn't quite looked as good as years past yet but the Beard should be well rested after sitting out Sunday's game.
The Nets have struggled to keep opposing teams off the offensive glass, giving up 11.0 offensive rebounds per game this season. That bodes well for the Raptors who are near the top of the league in offensive rebounding, pulling in 13.0 per game.
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What channel is Raptors vs. Nets on?
- TV channel: Sportsnet ONE, East, Ontario (Canada), Yes Network or League Pass (United States)
- Radio: SN 590
What time does Raptors vs. Nets start?
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 14
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT
Raptors vs. Nets injury report
| Team | Player | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raptors | Achiuwa, Precious | Out | Health and Safety Protocols |
| Anunoby, OG | Out | Injury/Illness - Left Hip; Pointer | |
| Birch, Khem | Out | Injury/Illness - Right Knee; Swelling | |
| Dragic, Goran | Out | Not With Team | |
| Johnson, David | Out | Injury/Illness - Left Calf; Strain | |
| Banton, Dalano | Out | Injury/Illness - Illness; Non-COVID | |
| Nets | Aldridge, LaMarcus | Out | Health and Safety Protocols |
| Bembry, DeAndre | Out | Health and Safety Protocols | |
| Carter, Jevon | Out | Health and Safety Protocols | |
| Durant, Kevin | Questionable | Injury/Illness - Right Ankle; Soreness | |
| Harris, Joe | Out | Injury/Illness - Left Ankle; Surgery | |
| Irving, Kyrie | Out | Ineligible To Play | |
| Johnson, James | Out | Health and Safety Protocols | |
| Millsap, Pau | Out | Health and Safety Protocols |
Raptors next five games
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Location |
| Dec. 16 | vs. Bulls | Postponed | Scotiabank Arena |
| Dec. 18 | vs. Warriors | 7:30 p.m. | Scotiabank Arena |
| Dec. 20 | vs. Magic | 7:30 p.m. | Scotiabank Arena |
| Dec. 22 | at Bulls | 8:00 p.m. | United Center |
| Dec. 26 | at Cavs | 6:00 p.m. | Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse |
| Dec. 28 | vs. 76ers | 7:30 p.m. | Scotiabank Arena |
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