Raptors Eye Advantage as Nets Struggle Without Cam Thomas
The Toronto Raptors continue their road trip tonight as they face the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center — and this matchup might tilt in the Raptors’ favor, thanks to a major blow for Brooklyn.
Brooklyn guard Cam Thomas, one of the Nets’ key offensive weapons, is out with an injury, and that’s left a noticeable gap in their lineup. Even though Thomas hadn’t started the season with great shooting efficiency, his absence is being felt deeply. There just isn’t another player on the roster who can replicate what he brings to the offense — the scoring bursts, the shot creation, and that unpredictability that keeps defenders guessing.
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This injury, while unfortunate for the Nets, might actually open the door for the Raptors to take advantage — and for Brooklyn, it also means more minutes for their young players. It’s being seen as a chance for the team’s rookies to gain experience and get more touches, something that could benefit them in the long run, especially since this season already has the feel of a rebuilding, or “tanking,” year.
Now, talking about the Nets’ overall start to the season — it hasn’t been pretty. Many expected defensive struggles, but surprisingly, their offense has been just as inconsistent. Their pace of play also stands out — not in a good way. Brooklyn ranks near the bottom of the league in pace, though there are moments when the team suddenly bursts into fast transitions and fluid ball movement. Those flashes show what head coach Jordi Fernández wants from them, but without the right personnel, maintaining that speed and rhythm has been a challenge.
If the Nets do manage to pull off a win tonight, it would likely be because their supporting players — guys like Nic Claxton, Terance Mann, or one of the rookies — step up in a big way. Michael Porter Jr. is expected to deliver offensively, but Brooklyn will need several others hitting double digits to have a chance. Defense won’t be their saving grace — if the Nets win, it’ll probably be in a high-scoring shootout.
As for predictions, most analysts, including Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Brener, are leaning toward a Raptors victory. The forecast is around a 122–103 final score in favor of Toronto. The game might stay close through the third quarter, but the Raptors’ depth and offensive firepower are expected to create separation late.
Even though it’s a home game for the Nets at Barclays, the momentum seems to be on Toronto’s side. For the Raptors, this could be another valuable win on the road — and for Brooklyn, another reminder that their season might be more about growth and patience than immediate results.
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