Raptors-Nets: Toronto Looks To Rebound With A Better Effort Against Brooklyn

Where to watch: 7:30 pm, TSN

I've become very invested with the opportunity for Toronto to go 16-0 against the Atlantic Division this season. After an overtime win against these Brooklyn Nets last Friday, they're 9-0 and seven wins away from some sort of empty glory against a division where the four other teams range from going nowhere to going absolutely nowhere.

But still, a perfect record in any column should count for something right? Count me in at least.

The Nets got a much needed home win on Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers, with Jarrett Jack hitting the go-ahead basket late for the win. Meanwhile, Toronto had a much different result on their home court, falling 82-75 to the Milwaukee Bucks in a game in which Dwane Casey called a "stinker" afterwards.

Tonight's game also ends another easier portion of the schedule. Before the All-Star Weekend, Toronto has three more home games remaining, all against quality opponents: the Clippers, Spurs and Wizards. After the break, here's their schedule: at Atlanta, at Houston, at New Orleans, at Dallas and vs. Golden State.

So, if we're looking to bank more victories in the win column, tonight is one we need to get. Big picture, it'll be worthwhile to see how the team responds to Monday's effort, one in which Casey admitted afterwards the team was lacking in energy and focus.

The Raptors may be a team that ultimately wins or loses based on how their perimeter players perform. But against a team like Brooklyn on their home floor, they should find a way to make it not difficult. Let's see what kind of effort we get tonight.

Discuss!