It will be a battle between Atlantic Division opponents when the Toronto Raptors (16-8) welcome the Brooklyn Nets (13-11) to Scotiabank Arena. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 14, 2019, and will air on NBATV.
Toronto opened as a 7.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 219.5 points.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors ATS Prediction
The last time the Nets played, they were 9.5-point favorites and were defeated by the Charlotte Hornets, 113-108. The game’s combined points (221) finished over the O/U total of 216.5. Charlotte’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Brooklyn. The Hornets had a rate of 7.3 (better than their season average of 13.5), while the Nets posted a mark of 10.5. Jarrett Allen played well for Brooklyn, recording 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The Raptors lost big to the Los Angeles Clippers in their last outing, 112-92. They were unable to cover as 2.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (204) finished well under the O/U total of 223. Los Angeles’ effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Toronto. The Clippers had a rate of 0.512 (below their season average of 0.521), while the Raptors posted a mark of 0.398 (below their season average of 0.531). With 24 points on 9-for-20 shooting, Pascal Siakam was the game’s leading scorer.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Toronto figures to have a significant advantage. The Raptors defense ranks first in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.486), while the Brooklyn offense is ranked 15th in effective field goal percentage (0.524). Also, the Nets, who rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (24.6 percent), will battle against the Raptors, who rank 29th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.0 percent).
Brooklyn comes into the contest with records of 13-11 straight up (SU) and 13-10-1 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Nets’ games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Toronto is 16-8 SU and 13-11 ATS. There does not appear to be a trend for games involving the Raptors in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
After the Raptors won three out of four meetings against the Nets last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Toronto won 115-105. Toronto had a much better turnover percentage (5.9 vs. 12.8). Brooklyn, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.151 vs. 0.114).
Nets at Raptors ATS Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Nets, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Brooklyn ranks third in assists allowed per game (21.9) while Toronto ranks 23rd (25.5).
Brooklyn ranks fourth in points in the paint per game (51.6) while Toronto ranks 19th (46.7).
The Raptors rank first in fast break points per game (18.6) while the Nets rank 16th (12.5).
Toronto is 8-4 ATS at home, while Brooklyn is 6-5-1 ATS on the road.
Over its last five contests, Brooklyn is 4-1 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
Toronto is 0-5 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Nets have outscored opponents by an average of 2.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Brooklyn has been defeated by an average of 0.5 points.
During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 101.6 points per game (9.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 110.8 points per game (5.3 above their season average).
