The New Jersey Nets will attempt to put the brakes on a two-game slide when they welcome the Toronto Raptors to the Prudential Center Wednesday night. The Raptors are one game ahead of the Nets in the loss column and are vying for that eighth playoff spot.
Nets head coach Avery Johnson will once again try to piece things together on offense without star Deron Williams. The point guard is hampered by a calf strain and will miss his third straight game. Johnson will likely continue to lean on Kris Humphries, who put up a career-high 31 points in a 105-99 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.
Look for athletic small forward Gerald Green's role to expand as well. In addition to his amazing dunk against the Houston Rockets, Green has shown the ability to score anywhere on the court, something the Nets haven't had from the wing in quite some time.
The Raptors have won five of the last 10, including a 96-88 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers Tuesday night. Andrea Bargnani is back for Toronto after missing 20 games, but may be without Jose Calderon, who is day-to-day with an ankle injury.
You can watch the game locally on YES or hear it on WFAN with tip schedule for 7:30 p.m.
The next big day on the Nets schedule is the trade deadline Thursday. All eyes will be on Dwight Howard and then no matter what happens they will stay on the Orlando Magic as they take on the Nets Friday night.