The Brooklyn Nets (23-27) are next up to take on the defending champion Toronto Raptors (38-14), as they visit Scotiabank Arena Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. The Raptors are riding a 13-game winning streak after sweeping a home-and-home set against the Indiana Pacers. We analyze the Nets-Raptors sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
Nets at Raptors: Key Injuries
Nets
- SF Kevin Durant (Achilles’) out
- PG Kyrie Irving (knee) out
- SF Garrett Temple (eye) available
Raptors
- PG Kyle Lowry (neck) doubtful
- SG Norman Powell (finger) out
- C Marc Gasol (hamstring) out
- PF Dewan Hernandez (ankle) out
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Nets at Raptors: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Nets 112, Raptors 106
Moneyline (ML)
I’m backing the NETS (+220) to pull the upset on the road. This is a potential letdown spot for the Raptors (-278) after sweeping the Pacers and winning 13 straight games. The injury to Lowry will loom large against the strong Brooklyn backcourt, as well. The Raptors are up 2-0 in the head-to-head season series but the teams will play Saturday and again Wednesday.
Toronto is 19-7 at home and on the road for the season, while Brooklyn comes in at just 8-15 on the road. The Nets won their last two games, beating the Phoenix Suns (119-97) and Golden State Warriors (129-88). The Raptors are a vastly superior opponent, but the moneyline odds on the Nets are inflated as a result of the public backing Toronto’s prolonged streak.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Nets to win outright returns a profit of $22.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
Liking the underdogs on the moneyline, stick with the NETS (+6.5, -115) with 6 points of insurance in the event of a loss. The Raps are 30-22 against the spread overall and 16-10 at home, while the Nets are just 23-27 ATS overall and 8-15 on the road.
Toronto slips to 4-4 ATS when on the second half of a back-to-back and 5-5 ATS with the rest disadvantage. Brooklyn is 7-7 ATS with a rest advantage.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take the UNDER 221.5 (-110) on a high projection. Lowry’s absence weakens a Raptors backcourt already without Powell. PG Fred VanVleet already plays a lot of minutes for Toronto meaning the lost minutes will fall to depth options, Terrence Davis and Matt Thomas. The Nets held their last two low-quality opponents below 100 points.
Esten’s NBA betting record: 188-148
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