Game 1 Thread: Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets

We can admit now that heading into last year’s playoffs we were a bit nervous. Not end-of-the-world anxious, but there was still a shiver of that old Raptors mentality that the worst could and would happen. When Toronto dropped Game 1 in the 2019 playoffs, it seemed to confirm that feeling. Then of course, the Raptors went on to win the title and now there is only peace.

It’s that spirit that brings us to this current moment. We’re heading into Game 1 of the 2020 playoffs with the Raptors. It’s a heads-up contest against the upstart Brooklyn Nets who played their way into this matchup and are going to put up a fight — such as it is. While there’s no doubt the Nets will get the Raptors to break a sweat, it also feels unlikely they have any chance to win. It has made the lead-up to these playoffs a decidedly chill affair. (I mean, setting aside the global pandemic and popular anti-police uprising still going on, and the fact that the entire post-season is being played in Disney World — just, uh, put that part aside for a second.)

The Raptors, and their fans, have laboured for years to get to this point. Toronto is the heavy favourite in their first round matchup in these playoffs, and even the jokes about dropping Game 1 feel quaint (and a bit misplaced). All we have to do — all we can do — at this point is just sit back and enjoy the show.

Now, below are your updated Raptors-Nets Game 1 details. And sure, you can prepare for Game 1 by reading our series preview content here:

• Our series preview for Raptors-Nets is here, courtesy of John Gaudes;
• Listen to the latest That’s A Rap podcast as they rundown the whole affair;
• Get up to speed on Brooklyn’s tactics and how Toronto can respond, thanks to JD Quirante;
• Check out this feature from Joseph Strauss on the history of Raptors vs. Nets.

Also, ICYMI: Here’s my preview of Game 1 from this morning.

Now, let’s watch.

Where to Watch:

4pm on Sportsnet

Lineups:

Toronto — Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol

Brooklyn — Caris LeVert, Rodions Kurucs, Joe Harris, Garrett Temple, Jarrett Allen

Injuries:

Toronto — Patrick McCaw (knee - out), Oshae Brissett (knee - out)

Brooklyn — Jamal Crawford (hamstring - out)