After a disappointing loss to the Grizzlies on Wednesday night - a loss that snapped our season high 8 game home winning streak - only one question takes centre stage:
Which Raptors team shows up against the Nets tonight?
So which side of the Raptors coin do the Nets flip? After all, the dismal Nets (5-49) have been fortunate enough to see both sides of the Toronto Raptors.
Consider their first meeting with New Jersey. In that game, Toronto jumped out to a commanding lead right from tip-off and never looked back. The Raptors (or Huskies) made it a mission to establish they were the better team and managed to put up a dizzying 39 points in the first quarter. On top of that, the Raps also didn't take their foot off the pedal, something they've garnered a reputation for. Continuing to pour it on in a final score of 118-95, 7 Raptors ended up finishing the night with double digit scoring.
Fast forward to February 3 for the rematch, and immediately, a difference could be noted. There was no instant blitz from the Raptors' offense. And smelling that the Raps were not at their best, the New Jersey Nets took advantage. For most of the game, NJ played with a rare confidence, the same confidence that could be found in their 4 only previous wins of the season. The double digit scoring was something exclusive to only the starters this time around. But fortunately, the Raps were able to avoid that disaster with a final of 109-99.
Being division rivals, the Raps and Nets are scheduled to meet two more times, with the first of those two set to take place tonight in NJ. Excuses were being thrown around Toronto after their gut wrenching overtime loss to Memphis; the more popular one involving rust from the All-Star break. But tonight, there will be NO EXCUSES. Tonight is a must win. Will the Raps bounce back without their captain Chris Bosh? Or will they show up like the team that has disappointed Raps fans all over the country?
There's only one way to find out. Tune in tonight on TSN2 at 8pm eastern. Raptors Vs. Nets.
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