Who's Playing
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets
Records: Raptors (21-5); Nets (8-18)
Where to Watch
Date: Friday, Dec. 7
Time: 7:30 p.m ET
TV: SN1
Radio: TSN 1050 Toronto
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
Game Preview
The Toronto Raptors look to start another win streak on Friday when they travel to Brooklyn to take on the Nets.
Following a close loss to the Denver Nuggets earlier in the week, the Raptors got back to their winning ways with an impressive showing against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. In the 113-102 win, Kawhi Leonard dominated with 36 points, nine rebounds, five steals and one assist.
Leonard has taken his game to another level since sitting out the team's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 21. In the seven games since, the two-time All-Star is averaging 29.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per contest.
Leonard's recent play has seen him get more buzz in the MVP conversation.
MORE: This simple possession shows why Leonard is a leading MVP candidate
Jonas Valanciunas also had a strong showing against the 76ers, helping the second unit get back on track with a season-high 26 points and eight rebounds in only 18 minutes of action.
Valanciunas has been a different player in Toronto's wins so far this season. Whereas he's averaged 9.0 points on 43.6 percent shooting from the field in their five losses, he's posted 13.7 points on 60.8 percent shooting in their 21 wins.
They'll need another big-time performance from Valanciunas against the Nets, who are built around a talented young big man in Jarrett Allen.
The Nets have some talent in the backcourt as well. Since losing Caris LeVert to an injury on Nov. 12, D'Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie have been leading the way with a combined 37.2 points, 11.8 assists and 6.9 rebounds per game.
MORE: When could LeVert return from his injury?
Russell recently had a breakout game against the 76ers, scoring 38 points on 16-for-28 shooting from the field. Dinwiddie scored 31 points (11-15 FG) off the bench in that same game.
Unfortunately for the Nets, Russell and Dinwiddie were unable to carry them to a win. It's been a trend since LeVert suffered his injury, as they've lost 10 of their last 12 games without their leading scorer, including eight in a row.
Last Time They Played
Date: March 23, 2018
Score: Raptors 116, Nets 112
Raptors: Kyle Lowry – 25 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds
Nets: D'Angelo Russell — 18 points, 13 assists, 11 rebounds