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Game 3: Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets Free NBA Pick & Preview

Raptors vs Nets Online Betting Odds

The opening round series between the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets shifts back to New York for Game 3 on Friday night with the series tied at one game apiece. Toronto evened the series with a win in Game 2, claiming a 100-95 decision.[ad-4468020]

First-round Game 3
Series tied 1-1
Toronto Raptors (1-1) at Brooklyn Nets (1-1)
Date: Friday, April 25, 2014
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Barclays Center
City: Brooklyn, New York
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O/U Odds: 191
Spread: Brooklyn -5
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Tuesday’s affair was back-and-forth from start to finish, but the Raptors were able to steal the game in the fourth quarter, thanks to the emergence of star guard DeMar DeRozan in that final quarter. DeRozan had struggled with his shot through the first seven quarters of this series, but he threw down an intense left-handed dunk early in the final frame, and that really seemed to flip a switch.

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DeRozan went on to score 17 points in the deciding quarter, and finished with a game-high 30 points on 9-of-21 shooting, knocking down 12-of-14 free throws. Teammate Jonas Valanciunas also continued his dominant postseason play, racking up 15 points and 14 rebounds to make him the first player since 1985 to accumulate 30 points and 30 rebounds in his first two postseason games.

The Nets actually got a better effort from their bench in Game 2 after the unit failed to knock down a three-pointer in Game 1. Mirza Teletovic hit on three of them himself, chipping in 14 points coming off the pine.
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Paul Pierce struggled after killing the Raptors in Game 1. He knocked down big shot after big shot in that contest, but in Game 2, he missed a prime opportunity to knock down a wide open three late in the contest. He finished just 2-of-11 from the field for seven points, though he did fill out his stat line with six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block.

The team’s best player in Game 2 was Joe Johnson, who hit on seven of 13 shots from the field for 18 points. He really took over in the third quarter, scoring 12 points to help the Nets to a lead through 36 minutes.

This game is a matter of pride for a strong-willed, veteran Nets squad. After Masai Ujiri’s pre-game comments prior to Game 1 of this series, the Raptors are surely to face a hostile crowd on Friday.

Additionally, both teams really figured things out offensively in the second half of Tuesday’s game, leading to plenty of points, and an easy over. We could see more of the same in Brooklyn, where the teams combined to play over the total in each of two meetings there during the regular season.

The Nets are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 home games, while the Raptors are 1-3-1 ATS in their last five trips to Brooklyn.

The over is 15-3 in the Nets’ last 18 Friday games, and it is 4-0 in the last four meetings between these teams in Brooklyn.

The play: Brooklyn -5, Over 191

By Gino Bottero

Gino is new to CappersPicks.com but NOT new to the online gambling industry.He's got an AMAZING knack for discovering hidden gems when it comes to betting on sports. Stick with him as he predicts when a team will have a letdown! Check Gino out for NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB betting articles all season long!