New Jersey Nets at Toronto Raptors, Raps -9.5, total is 195.5

It never gets old beating up on Vince Carter. Yes, the ACC does not need to boo anymore every time VC touches the ball but it still is sweet to kick his ass and help bury the Nets in the basement of the Atlantic. Tonight the Raps try to keep things rolling and get a swagger going as they prepare for a Sunday afternoon game with the Celtics. I am looking to that game but hopefully the Raps stay focused and worry about taking care of New Jersey. As bad as they are, Devin Harris just might torch Toronto with his speed. Calderon is still working his way back to 100% health and the image of Will Solomon turning the ball over endlessly keeps dancing through my head.

Friday night games seem to always give Toronto problems and hopefully they can send the home fans away with some pizza, a win and further proof that karma is a bitch for Vince Carter.

Here is everything you need to know for tonight’s game.

The goods

  • The Raptors went 8-for-8 from 3-point range in the second half on Wednesday. Toronto has made 40.2 percent of its shots from beyond the arc on the season.
  • Andrea Bargnani went 3-for-4 from 3-point range and scored a season-high 25 points, Jermaine O’Neal added 16 points and Bosh had 15. It was somewhat of a subpar game for Bosh, who averaged 32.3 points in his previous three contests.
  • The Raps are 2-2 at Air Canada Centre this season, but have won four straight there against New Jersey since a 105-104 loss on Jan. 8, 2006.
  • On Tuesday night, Devin Harris had 23 points but committed five turnovers and had just four assists in a 106-82 loss to Cleveland. It was the Nets’ largest margin of defeat this season.
  • Vince Carter was held to 12 points, shooting 3-of-12 from the field after averaging 27.7 points in his previous three games.
  • Brook Lopez, the 10th overall pick in the draft, has started three straight games, averaging 15.0 points and 9.6 rebounds.
  • Toronto went 3-1 against New Jersey last season, holding the Nets to 86.0 points per game.

For bettors

  • Under is 25-9 in the last 34 meetings.
  • Home team is 11-4-1 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
  • Nets are 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Toronto.
  • Nets are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

Prediction

I feel like I keep falling into a trap when the Raps play at home on a Friday night. I expect them to come out and blow the roof off and they start slow and can’t hit a shot. The Nets are not very good so as long as they can slow down Harris they should win rather easily. Of course that won’t be the case and Toronto will survive embarrassment and win 105-97.

Other links

Raptors Republic - Getting ready for Vince.

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