Nets vs. Raptors preview: The wait finally ends for Brooklyn

After waiting so long to finally make the move from New Jersey to Brooklyn, it only seems fitting that the Nets are the final team to open their 2012-13 season. Everyone would rather they could have christened their brand new building against the New York Knicks on Thursday night on national TV, but Hurricane Sandy had other plans.

So even with the city and the Tri-State Area as a whole still struggling to recover, the Nets will attempt to celebrate the $1 billion Barclays Center Saturday night when they welcome the Toronto Raptors (0-1) to Brooklyn.

Owner Mikhail Prokhorov and GM Billy King will get their first look at the new look Nets, featuring point guard Deron Williams, his new All-Star backcourt running mate Joe Johnson, a healthy Brook Lopez at center and re-signed Kris Humphries and Gerald Wallace in the frontcourt.

The talk of eminent domain, decisions on uniform colors and sold out concerts can now officially be replaced by the chase for a division title. That chase starts against a promising Raptors squad led by point guard Kyle Lowry and impressive rookie center Jonas Valanciunas, who had 10 points and 12 rebounds in his NBA debut, a hard fought 90-88 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

The first ever Brooklyn home-opener is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. tip and if you are planning on checking out the action in person, doors open at 5:30 p.m. If you do head to Barclays, be aware there is a transportation advisory.

You can catch all the action at home locally on YES or nationally on NBA TV.