Game 2 Thread: Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets

What is the uncomfortable feeling of... comfort? Never before have things felt so breezy in the wake of a Raptors Game 1. Yeah, they’ve won series openers before, but never so convincingly, and never with such a firm denial of any notions that they might not have the series completely in the bag. The Raptors are winning this series. It’s frankly just a question of whether it’ll take four or five games. The answer will start to crystallize with Game 2 this afternoon.

Before we get into the pre-game details, I’d like to use this space to drop in a reminder that when we say Black Lives Matter, we mean all Black lives. It is important that LGBTQ voices remain centred in our conversations about race, discrimination, and police brutality. For more information and other resources, visit this very handy link page from Not Another Black Life.

Now, if you’re looking to further bask in the glory of the first stress-free Game 1 in Raptors history, be sure to check out all of the great work our staff did in response to the 134-110 win.

• Boss man Reynolds had you covered on the quick recap.
• The fellas on “That’s a Rap” recorded a podcast just after the game right here.
• Josh Kern had his usual five thoughts piece.
• Stats king Daniell Hackett offered up a number-infused breakdown of the Nets and their shame.
• Joel Stephens looked at how Kyle Lowry (who else?) was responsible for Game 1 turning irrevocably in the Raptors’ favour.
• And JD Quirante is all over the tactical adjustments we might see in today’s Game 2.

Now for the notes on today’s matinee (and Satbir’s preview from this morning). I really don’t care what anyone says — afternoon basketball is exceptionally tight. Enjoy it, perhaps with a cocktail.

Where to Watch:

1:30pm ET on TSN’s 1, 3 & 5 (NBA TV in the US)

Lineups:

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

Brooklyn — Five less good players (Sigh, fine: Caris LeVert, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Joe Harris, Garrett Temple, Jarrett Allen)

Injuries:

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

Brooklyn — Jamal Crawford (hamstring - out), all those other guys you already know