The Defending Champions Toronto Raptors will take on Brooklyn Nets in the first round. Here we look at the Match Preview and TV Schedule for the game.
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The race for the NBA title is on, and today eight teams are lined up in the first round. In the Eastern Conference, No.2 seed Raptors vs. No.7 seed Nets will be the second match of the day.
Nets are short on big names and thus will find it extremely hard to get past the well-oiled Raptors.
Raptors are entering the playoffs with four straight wins. The side finished second in the East just like the previous season but with a better winning percentage, despite losing Kawhi Leonard.
At the same time, Nets have performed far better than they were expected to in the Bubble and could cause an upset, if LeVert really steps up to the plate.
The defending champions should get past Nets with ease as they have the firepower to put Nets down, but they must take care of Caris LeVert and Joe Harris, the duo have put some incredible performance in seeding games against strong sides.
Where to watch Nets vs Raptors vs on TV and Online?
The game is scheduled at 4:00 PM (ET) and can be watched on the following platforms:
- NBA TV (Accessed through NBA League Pass)
- ESPN
- TNT
- Live Stream on Fubo.tv
TOMORROW. AUGUST 17th. #NBAPlayoffs begin with hoops all day starting at 1:30 PM ET on ESPN. #WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/UYMtKB2cH8
— NBA (@NBA) August 16, 2020
If you wish to watch NBA action on NBA TV, then you must buy NBA League Pass through the official site. Do check the free trial.
Nets vs Raptors Series Schedule
Game 1: Aug. 17, 4 p.m. EST
Game 2: Aug. 19, 1:30 p.m. EST
Game 3: Aug. 21, 1:30 p.m. EST
Game 4: Aug. 23, 6:30 p.m. EST
Game 5: Aug. 25, TBD
Game 6: Aug. 27, TBD
Game 7: Aug. 29, TBD
Nets vs Raptors Preview
The last time both teams met in the playoffs was in 2014, where Nets walked away with the series win. In 2007 too Nets were the better side as they buried Raptors in a six-game series. Things have changed since then as Raptors are the defending champions, and Nets, despite their star studded roster, are shot of superstars in the Bubble.
Nets and Raptors have both came out from the seeding games as strong performing sides. Raptors will enter the match with a 7-1 record and Nets with a 5-3 record in Orlando.
The Nets franchise fired Coach Kenny Atkinson, replacing him with Jacque Vaughn, which now seems a good step. Vaughn has put the side in a good position without the main starters. The team entered Orlando without Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan, and Spencer Dinwiddle. But thanks to Caris LeVert and Joe Harris, it seems the young Nets reserves are ready for some post-season shenanigans.
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LeVert has averaged 25 PPG, and Harris has averaged 20 PPG in the bubble, making them the best options offensively. The duo will need to have a brilliant series in order to get past the Raptors’ defense.
Raptors’ Pascal Siakam has filled the void for Kawhi Leonard in the present season. Kawhi was the leading player behind the Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship.
Raptors Defence has been the focal point; the side has the second-best in defense (104.7 defensive ratings) in the league. Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol are the chief architects behind Raptors defence. The duo has put down big shooting guns in seeding games and will be all charged up to stop LeVert and Harris.
The defending Champions are the clear favourites for this game, as they are better on both ends of the court. However, Nets will be hoping for some ‘playoff magic’ to take them through to the next round.
The probable lineup for Nets
Jarrett Allen
Joe Harris
Caris LeVert
Garrett Temple
Rodions Kurucs
The probable lineup for Raptors
Pascal Siakam
Fred VanVleet
OG Anunoby
Marc Gasol
Kyle Lowry
