Nets Seek Redemption Against Raptors Amid Injury Struggles
The Brooklyn Nets enter tonight’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors with a renewed sense of purpose, riding the momentum of four victories in their last seven outings. After a rocky start that suggested they might be contenders for the top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Nets have turned their season around, showcasing resilience and competitive spirit. Recent victories over teams like the Hornets, Bulls, Pelicans, and Bucks have highlighted their potential, even in a narrow loss to the Miami Heat. In that game, Michael Porter Jr. delivered another impressive performance, scoring 28 points and solidifying his status as a near All-Star caliber player.
Previous Encounters with Toronto
As the Nets prepare to face the Raptors for the third time this season, they hope to finally secure a win against a team they have previously battled without their full strength. Both previous matchups ended in identical 119-109 losses for Brooklyn, but the circumstances have changed. Tonight’s contest presents an opportunity for the Nets to show their growth under head coach Jordi Fernandez and to put forth their best effort against Toronto.
Injury Report: A Tale of Two Teams
Injuries continue to shape the narrative for both teams as they head into this pivotal game.
Brooklyn Nets injuries:
Tyson Etienne — Out: G League
Haywood Highsmith — Out: Right knee surgery
EJ Liddell — Out: G League
Drake Powell — Out: Right ankle sprain
Ben Saraf — Out: G League
Cam Thomas — Out: Left hamstring strain
The Nets have been particularly affected by the absence of Cam Thomas, who has yet to return since sustaining a hamstring injury in early November. The young guard has only appeared in eight games this season, averaging 21.1 points on 40% shooting. Additionally, Brooklyn will miss the services of Drake Powell and Ben Saraf, both of whom are sidelined due to injuries and G League assignments, respectively. Haywood Highsmith has yet to make his debut with the Nets since being acquired from Miami in the offseason.
Toronto Raptors injuries:
RJ Barrett — Out: Right knee sprain
Chucky Hepburn — Out: G League
AJ Lawson — Out: G League
Alijah Martin — Out: G League
Jonathan Mob — Out: G League
Jakob Poeltl — Questionable: Lower back
On the other side, the Raptors are also grappling with significant injury issues. RJ Barrett will be out due to a knee sprain, which adds to their challenges. Center Jakob Poeltl is listed as questionable, leaving Toronto’s lineup in a state of uncertainty as they head into the contest.
With both teams facing key absences, tonight’s game promises to deliver a unique showdown. The Nets and Raptors will tip off at 5 p.m. CT, each hoping to gain a critical edge as the season unfolds.
