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Toronto Raptors: Ranking prospective playoff opponents in terms of favourability

By Nate Friesen

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 10: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors signals to a teammate during the first half of an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Scotiabank Arena on February 10, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 10: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors signals to a teammate during the first half of an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Scotiabank Arena on February 10, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets
Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images /

5. Brooklyn Nets

If the playoffs started today this would be the two vs. seven matchup in the Eastern Conference and this could very well end up being the matchup come playoff time. And in my opinion, this would be the most favorable matchup for the Toronto Raptors.

The Nets have been somewhat of a mess this season, thanks to Kyrie Irving among other things. With Irving now likely out for the remainder of the season, a first-round matchup against the Nets would be quite favorable for the Raptors.

The Nets are (without Kyrie) led by Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert who are good players but they’re far from stars. The Raptors have the second-best defensive rating in the league at 105.1 and an offense led by Dinwiddie and LeVert would have an incredible time scoring on such an elite defense.

Not to mention the other side of the ball. I believe the Nets would have an incredible time keeping up with the Raptors on offense. The Raptors have the 12th (111.4) best offensive rating in the league whereas the Nets are all the way down at 22nd (107.2).

Now there is a chance that the Nets could put up a fight in this series. They did just recently put an end to the Raptors 15-game win streak and if Dinwiddie and LeVert are able to play like All-Stars for 4 out of the 7 games they could make it close.

In the end, if this series actually does occur in the first round, I’d predict a sweep by the Raptors.

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