Toronto-raptors vs Brooklyn Nets Picks and Predictions January 1st 2025

Raptors lug 11-game skid into meeting with new-look Nets

The Toronto Raptors aim to halt their historic 11-game skid as they host a restructured Brooklyn Nets team on Wednesday night. Both teams come into the matchup looking for answers, but with different narratives driving their seasons.

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Brooklyn Nets: A Fresh Start Amidst Challenges

The Nets made a bold move on Sunday, trading Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, rookie Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft picks. While this trade is a step toward building a future core, it leaves the team needing immediate adjustments.

Finney-Smith and Milton played crucial roles in Brooklyn’s 101-94 win over Toronto on Dec. 19, combining for 20 points. Their absence leaves an opening for players like Noah Clowney to step up.

Clowney, just 20 years old, has embraced a larger role in recent games. Over Brooklyn’s last five outings, he’s averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 rebounds while showcasing versatility as a scorer and defender. In the Nets’ narrow 102-101 loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday, Clowney contributed 13 points, including three 3-pointers, over 28 minutes.

Brooklyn head coach Jordi Fernandez remains optimistic about Clowney’s development.
“There are minutes to play, assists to make, and threes to hit,” Fernandez said. “Clowney is finding his way, but this is part of the process.”

However, the Nets have struggled as a team, losing four of their last five games. Sunday’s game against Orlando highlighted these struggles, with Brooklyn blowing a 21-point lead and being outscored 34-18 in the final quarter.

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Raptors: A Season Spiraling Out of Control

The Raptors are facing their worst losing streak in franchise history, compounded by a 125-71 blowout loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. The 54-point margin marked Toronto’s largest-ever defeat and the second-largest win in Celtics’ history.

Toronto’s struggles go beyond the scoreboard. Turnovers remain a glaring issue, with the team committing 52 over its past two games. Against Boston, the Raptors managed only 35 first-half points and shot just 31.4% from the field for the game, including 25% from beyond the arc.

Despite these woes, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic remains hopeful. He pointed to the team’s defensive energy in the first half against Boston as a small victory:
“I thought we showed a lot of fight early on,” Rajakovic said. “That’s a step in the right direction.”

Rajakovic is focused on using adversity as a learning tool to evaluate players and foster growth:
“This season is about discovering who can rise to the challenge and who cannot. We’re using these tough times to gather the information we need to improve.”

Key injuries haven’t helped. Gradey Dick (hamstring) and RJ Barrett (illness) were both sidelined on Tuesday, leaving the Raptors with limited options to generate offense.

Keys to Wednesday’s Matchup

For the Nets, their success will hinge on how quickly new additions like D’Angelo Russell integrate into the lineup and whether Clowney can continue his strong play. Fernandez will also need to address the team’s late-game execution to avoid another collapse like the one in Orlando.

The Raptors, on the other hand, need to limit turnovers and find consistency on offense. With no margin for error, Toronto’s roster will need to play with urgency to avoid extending their losing streak to 12 games.

Player Spotlight: Noah Clowney

Clowney’s rise has been one of the few bright spots for the Nets. Known for his ability to play multiple positions, he’s being trusted with more responsibilities on both ends of the court. Fernandez praised Clowney’s growing maturity:
“He’s finding ways to be physical without fouling and staying focused. It’s all part of his learning curve.”

Clowney himself recognizes the work ahead:
“I need to stay consistent and improve every day. There’s a lot I can do better.”

Final Thoughts

Wednesday’s matchup presents an opportunity for both teams to turn a corner. The Nets are looking to stabilize after recent roster changes, while the Raptors desperately need a win to restore confidence. Whether it’s Brooklyn’s emerging young talent or Toronto’s fight to end their slump, fans can expect a hard-fought game.

As Rajakovic said:
“Adversity is tough, but it’s where real growth happens. We’ll be ready.”