Nets at Raptors
THE STORY: It may not last long, but the Toronto Raptors are the NBA's toughest matchup when it comes to allowing opposing field goals. That doesn't bode well for the low-scoring New Jersey Nets as they look to halt an ugly six-game losing skid against the Raptors in Toronto on Friday. Toronto has been one of the league's worst defensive units for years, but has transformed dramatically under new coach Dwane Casey. The Raptors are the only team in the NBA holding teams below 40 percent from the field, a major reason why they're 3-3 when most experts picked them to finish near the bottom of the overall standings. That's where the Nets sit after yet another disappointing effort in an 89-70 loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. New Jersey did receive some good news when it learned that point guard Deron Williams is scheduled to return against Toronto after missing one game with a rib injury. Friday marks the conclusion of a stretch of six road games in eight contests to open the season for the Nets, who return home for a pair against Miami and Atlanta.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, YES (New Jersey), TSN (Toronto)
ABOUT THE NETS (1-6): New Jersey looked completely discombobulated without Williams in the lineup Wednesday, shooting just 40.5 percent from the field in the 19-point loss. The club was especially deficient from beyond the arc, making four of 20 3-pointers. With Williams ailing, star center Brook Lopez (foot) out indefinitely and forward Kris Humphries (shoulder) also on the sidelines, it's no surprise the Nets rank last in the NBA at 83.1 points per game.
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (3-3): DeMar DeRozan's evolution into a reliable 3-point shooter has been one of the biggest surprises in Toronto this season. DeRozan hit only five shots from long range last season, but worked on his 3-point jumper in the off-season - and the results have been stunning. DeRozan hit five 3s in the Raptors' 15-point victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, and is a red-hot 10-for-16 from beyond the arc.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. DeRozan averages 18 points and 4.6 rebounds in seven career games against New Jersey.
2. Toronto has won seven of the last nine encounters between the teams.