Raptors vs. Nets Game Thread: Pre-game updates, TV info, and more

The Raptors go for win number nine in a row, and the Nets try not to get in the way. Or something.

While you were sleeping, the Raptors became the toast of the NBA.

It began on Monday with Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star going off. Then today saw two different pieces on Fred VanVleet — from former HQers Alex Wong and James Herbert. And then the big man, Zach Lowe, weighed in from on high at ESPN. It’s a special time.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The last time the Raptors played the Nets, it was a fight right to the end. In fact, the battle got so intense, Kyle Lowry was injured on a midair collision with the brute Joe Harris, the game went into overtime (with Toronto prevailing), and we were lost in the fog of Butt Watch 2018 for a week or so. It was not a special time.

So now we prepare for the inevitable tangle with this try-hard Nets team. They are objectively bad, but unlike the hapless Knicks, they have a bit of pride, a bit of organization, and a bit of knowledge that, hey, they can almost, maybe, kind of, beat the Raptors.

Will Lowry decide he wants to just end this game early and shoot the lights out in the process? It’s possible. I know it’s what I would do if I had to spend my Tuesday night trying to tangle with this Nets team, instead of enjoying the sights and sounds of Brooklyn. Anyway, on to the broadcast.

Here’s the full Raptors-Nets preview from this morning. Now, let’s watch.

Where to Watch

TSN 1/4 at 7:30pm EST

Lineups

Toronto - Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Norman Powell, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas

Brooklyn - D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, DeMarre Carroll, Allen Crabbe, Dante Cunningham

Injuries

Toronto - OG Anunoby

Brooklyn - Jarrett Allen (out), Jeremy Lin (out)