Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets Pick – NBA, August 21, 2020

The Raptors took a 2-0 lead in this NBA playoff series and it seems the Brooklyn Nets cannot stop them now, despite a brave display in Game 2. Toronto had some problems with the Nets in the opening three quarters, but the Raptors improved in the fourth to seal the victory. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, and the tip-off is set at 1:30 PM ET.

These Atlantic Division foes have met on six occasions this season, and the Raptors won five of those duels, including two in the playoffs. Check out my Raptors vs. Nets betting preview for Game 3.

Even though the Raptors failed to cover the spread in Game 2, the sportsbooks are again giving a -10.5 spread on them, which is understandable because Brooklyn lost Joe Harris in the meantime. Another big win from Toronto is expected, and you can feel free to back the Raptors in this one.

The total is set at 220.5, which is a significant difference form 225.5 from Game 2. Maybe the low-scoring G2 made the bookies lower the total.

For more odds and markets, make sure you visit these top betting sites.

Nick Nurse’s side trailed for most of the game and didn’t have control until the fourth quarter when they scored 30 and allowed only 19 to secure a 104-99 victory. Toronto struggled from beyond the arc (25.7%), and the bad perimeter shooting kept the Nets alive, but the Raptors managed to overcome the shooting issues and win the game.

Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with a double-double of 24 points and team-high ten assists, along with five rebounds. Norman Powell also scored 24 points with six boards, Kyle Lowry added 21 points, team-high nine boards, and two steals, while Pascal Siakam had 19 points and six rebounds.

Another masterclass performance from Freddy.

24 Pts / 10 Ast / 5 Reb pic.twitter.com/okWpNjMuKy

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) August 20, 2020

Brooklyn bounced back from a disappointing Game 1 display and was up for the first three quarters. However, as it was the case in the regular season, the Nets slowed down in the final 12 minutes and dropped the lead, so the loss was inevitable.

They shot only 38.8% from the field and committed even 17 turnovers opposite Toronto’s eight. The Nets lost Joe Harris, who left the Orlando bubble for personal reasons and will likely not re-join the team. Game 2 was probably Harris’ last game as a Net as he will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.

Garret Temple led Brooklyn with 21 points, Timothee Luwawu-Cabarrot scored 17, while Caris Levert posted a double-double of 16 points and game-high 11 assists, along with six rebounds. Jarrett Allen also recorded a double-double of 14 points and game-high 15 boards, along with five dimes and game-high three blocks, while Harris posted a double-double of 14 points and career-high 15 rebounds.

"We have to be ready for all 48 minutes. I think we had a little slippage in the fourth quarter, and they capitalized on that and brought the game back and ended up winning.” – @_bigjayy_

? | https://t.co/GWPHxbu0wM pic.twitter.com/6UnhRYKcC4

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) August 20, 2020

Brooklyn was already seriously shorthanded with all the injuries and corona virus-related absentees, and now after Joe Harris left the bubble, they are much weakened. They improved from Game 1 and displayed a strong performance in Game 2, but I don’t think the Nets can stay close in this one, so backing the Raptors to secure a convincing victory is my advice.

I am not sure about the totals, but I am pretty convinced Toronto will take this without trouble.

Check out our sports betting picks section for more tips from our experts.