Toronto Raptors: Nets-Raptors postseason preview

Series prediction

Predicting the length of a series this year is much different than before. There are no factors such as home-court advantage to consider, which really changes the way momentum swings.

The Nets fought hard to make the postseason, even when many people counted them out. Sure, they’re short-handed, but they’re unlikely to go away without a fight.

However, as hard as Brooklyn may fight the Toronto Raptors are too strong of an opposition to counteract them. The Raptors have much more depth at their disposal which is going to play a huge role in this series.

Brooklyn scores the sixth-most points in the paint per game, but with Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka protecting the rim, it’ll be a challenge for them to rely on that area for primary scoring. If the Raptors can limit the Nets’ paint production and not allow them to get hot from three-point range, this series won’t last long.

To their credit, Brooklyn has proved to be a resilient bunch which is why they’ll probably steal a game off the Raptors. As shown so far by the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers, momentum can take you very far.

For the Raptors, it’ll be important to stay focussed and not overlook the Nets. If they can do that and play the way they’ve been playing this season they’ll have no problem winning the series.

Prediction: Raptors win the series 4-1