Raptors at Nets
THE STORY: Kris Humphries had the best game of his career, posting 31 points and 18 rebounds in New Jersey’s 105-99 loss to Milwaukee on Monday. Speculation is he could be playing his last game for the Nets before Thursday’s trade deadline when they host Toronto on Wednesday night. The Nets also might be without Deron Williams (sore right calf) for the third consecutive game. Toronto won 96-88 in Cleveland on Tuesday despite playing without Jose Calderon (sprained ankle) for the second straight game.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TSN (Raptors), YES (Nets)
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (14-28): Andrea Bargnani had 19 points, his most in three games back after missing 20 with a strained calf. He's averaging 26.8 points in his last four games against New Jersey. Raptors center Amir Johnson is averaging 10.6 points and 8.2 rebounds in his last five games, while shooting 22 for 31 (71.0 percent). Calderon was in a walking boot and there is no timetable on his return.
ABOUT THE NETS (14-29): While there are plenty of rumors the Nets could try to obtain Dwight Howard, who has said he will stay in Orlando at least through the season, Humphries will not go anywhere he doesn’t want to. He has a full no-trade clause but said he might be willing to waive it for the right opportunity. Whether that is Orlando, he wouldn’t say. Originally, the Nets had been willing to offer Brook Lopez (out with a knee injury), plus a pair of first-round picks and perhaps even MarShon Brooks to get Howard. Instead, they might stand pat and wait until the summer and their move to Brooklyn to get the coveted All-Star.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. New Jersey has lost nine of its last 10 at the Prudential Center, and is allowing opponents to shoot 49 percent (worst in the league) in Newark.
2. Williams is 14-1 all-time against the Raptors, with the lone loss coming in their last meeting, a 94-73 Toronto win Jan. 29.
3. Raptors shooting guard Leandro Barbosa is 12 of 23 from 3-point range in his last four games.