NBA Playoffs Live Game Thread: Game 4 - Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors, 6:30 PM EST

The end is near. The Brooklyn Nets are one loss away from ending their (rather strange) 2019-20 NBA season.

They are also one loss away, later on Sunday, from getting swept out of these playoffs by the defending champs Toronto Raptors.

It’s been a valiant effort, considering, but the Nets aren’t much of a match for the Raptors.

You tip your cap to these Nets and move on to next season - the Kevin Durant era. That’s really what we’re all most excited about, right?

Right.

WHO: Brooklyn Nets (0-3) vs. Toronto Raptors (3-0)

WHEN: 6:30 PM EST

WHERE: YES Network (local), TNT (national), WFAN (radio)

For more on the Raptors, check out Raptors HQ.

Game Preview.

Player to watch: Serge Ibaka

If you’re able to get through the Raptors perimeter defenders, Ibaka will be waiting for you at the rim. He’s not the prolific shot blocker he was back in the Oklahoma City days, but he’s still a pretty solid rim deterrent. During the regular season, opponents only shot 51.5 percent on shots inside of six feet when Ibaka was defending them. Having someone like Ibaka who can switch out onto guards, protect the rim, and be a net positive on offense allows for so much versatility in what Nick Nurse tries out and will be crucial for the Raps as they look to go deeper in the playoffs.

Jarrett Allen didn’t get a shot attempt on Friday, but he was still busy out there. He grabbed 17 rebounds and as the only big in the regular rotation, a lot is riding on his young shoulders. He’s outplayed Marc Gasol, but the Raps have devised various strategies to limit Allen’s effectiveness. With the season on the line, we’ll see what Jacque Vaughn is able to cook up to keep his young center involved.