The New Jersey Nets must be feeling good about themselves knowing they are returning home to Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, NJ with a 1-1 split in their NBA Playoffs best of seven series with the Toronto Raptors. The Nets took game-one at Air Canada Centre in Toronto 96-91 but fell short in game-two by losing 89-83. The Nets had a chance to depart Toronto up 2-0 but succumbed in the final minute to the determined Raptors.
Neither team was able to build a lead of more than three points until a 3-pointer by Jason Kidd put the Nets up 78-74 with 3:43 remaining. But two free throws from Chris Bosh and a 3-pointer by T.J. Ford put Toronto back in front.
The Nets took their final lead of the game when Richard Jefferson hit a 3-pointer with 46 seconds to play. Ford put Toronto ahead 84-83 with a pair of free throws before Jefferson missed a three. Ford then made two more free throws before Bostjan Nachbar missed. Anthony Parker sealed the win for the Raptors with three more free throws.
The Raptors struggled in both games played in East Rutherford during the regular season, losing by 10 on opening day 102-92 and by 15 points in a 101-86 loss on January 9th. The Nets easily covered the betting line in both games while the total went UNDER in both games.
Oddsmakers expect the Nets to win tonight’s match-up and have installed them the favorite by a -4 ½ point chalk with a total of 192. In the six games played between the Raptors and Nets, the clubs split 3-3 SU and ATS. The total has gone UNDER in 5-of-6 games played between New Jersey and Toronto.
One area of concern for the Nets is the status of point-guard Jason Kidd’s left knee. Kidd missed yesterday’s practice and was in Manhattan at a doctors office getting the knee checked out.
While Kidd might be a bit hobbled, he is expected to play in tonight’s game.
