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The NBA Playoffs start today, August 17th. How weird is that to say out loud? And with that, these shorthanded Brooklyn Nets will take on the defending champs, the Toronto Raptors in the first round.
Brooklyn will be without much of its firepower, save for Caris LeVert who has been an absolute stud in the Bubble. While the Raptors are playing some of the best ball in the Bubble, most specifically on the defensive side of the ball.
No easy task taking out the defending champs in the first round of the playoffs, even if this Raptors team is without Kawhi Leonard. They still remain one of the handful of teams in the East capable of making a run to the Finals.
But, hey, you never know - right?
WHO: Brooklyn Nets (0-0) vs. Toronto Raptors (0-0)
WHEN: 4:00 PM EST
WHERE: YES Network (local), ESPN (national), WFAN (radio)
For more on the Raptors, check out: Raptors HQ
Since joining the Raptors in 2012, Lowry has been the anchor for the franchise. He and DeMar DeRozan brought the franchise back to respectability and made them a solid contender for many years in the Eastern Conference. When their window shut, Lowry teamed with Kawhi Leonard to bring a title to the North. Now, he and Siakam will be the duo to lead the Raps into the next era. When Lowry hangs it up, he’ll have the Hall of Fame and jersey retirement awaiting him.
In the meantime, he’s continued to play well for Nick Nurse. He’s kept his turnovers down, which is crucial for a team that didn’t score as much in the bubble (Toronto was 18th in offensive efficiency during the eight game restart). The Raps were able to hold their own while Lowry was off the floor, so as the series progresses, he won’t have to play huge minutes.