The Toronto Raptors losing streak has hit 11 games in a row.
Their offense stalled against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. Toronto was held to a season low 88 points.
Gary Trent Jr. scored 19 points and Javon Freeman-Liberty scored a career-high 15 for the Raptors. Toronto is now winless since a home victory over the Charlotte Hornets on March 3.
The Raptors had seven absent players in this one. Among them was center Jontay Porter. The NBA is investigating Porter following gambling allegations that were made, ESPN reported.
For the second straight game, Toronto played without four regular starters, with only Trent Jr. available. Scottie Barnes (left hand) and center Jakob Poeltl (left pinkie) remain injured. RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley rejoined the team Monday after being away for personal reasons. The two watched from the bench Monday, but they remain sidelined for return to competition reconditioning.
The bright side for the Raptors in this loss was that they recorded 23 assists, which made them set a single-season franchise record of 2,086.
Dennis Schroder scored 19 points against his former team, Trendon Watford had 11 of his season-high 19 points in the second quarter as the Nets snapped a six-game losing streak.
Cam Thomas who led the Nets with 19 points in Saturday’s loss to the Knicks, was scratched after experiencing back spasms during the pre-game warm up. Also, Cameron Johnson was absent because of a sprained right big toe.
The Raptors being thin at center really showed in this game. The Nets outrebounded the Raptors 50-30.
The Raptors have 10 games left this season.
Next on tap
The Raptors take on the New York Knicks on March 27. Former Raptor O.G. Anunoby is still out and his status for Wednesday’s game remains up in the air.
Meanwhile Toronto could get Barrett and Quickley back soon. Darko Rajakovic said they are in the process of reconditioning to return to play.
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