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The Toronto Raptors are going to win their series against the Brooklyn Nets. I know it’s not a bold take, nor am I saying anything prescient with Toronto up 3-0 headed into an evening Game 4. But it’s happening.
The only questions left are: a) how long will that win take? and b) can the team make some history on the way?
A win over the Nets in Game 4 would secure the Raptors their first series sweep in franchise history (something they should’ve achieved against the Magic last year, but damn you D.J. Augustin). It would come at a fantastic time too — their potential second round opponent in the Celtics finished a sweep of the Sixers earlier this afternoon.
The nuts and bolts of this series are pretty well known, and Brooklyn has their work cut out for them. After the departure of Joe Harris from the bubble, the Nets are sticking with their starting lineup from Game 3 and will hope a big shooting performance is coming their way. That, or a switching defence finally flummoxes the Raptors enough to steal a win.
It’s only a matter of time, though. We’re going to get the Raptors-Celtics semifinal that’s been craved for so many years. Only question is who’s going to get more rest before it begins.
Get set up for tonight’s game with some reading material:
- Zakaria Abdulle goes deeper with the Game 4 preview
- Tactical adjustments are discussed by JD Quirante, including how the Nets can create some mayhem
- The ever-on it Daniel Hackett looks at Fred VanVleet’s red hot shooting and the eighth man question in his statistical breakdown of Game 3
Now, let’s get to the comments and enjoy the game.
Where to Watch
TSN, 6:30 PM EST
Lineups
Toronto – Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol
Brooklyn – Caris LeVert, Tyler Johnson, Garrett Temple, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Jarrett Allen
Injuries
Toronto – Patrick McCaw (knee – out), Oshae Brissett (knee – out),
Brooklyn – Joe Harris (personal – out), Jamal Crawford (hamstring – out), Spencer Dinwiddie (opted out), Taurean Prince (opted out), Wilson Chandler (opted out), DeAndre Jordan (opted out), Nicolas Claxton (shoulder – out), Kyrie Irving (shoulder – out), Kevin Durant (achilles – out)