The Brooklyn Nets did not exactly end their season on a high note. The team lost four of its last five games while most of the starters sat for the final two nights of the season. They slid from fifth to sixth place in the Eastern Conference, avoiding a matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Head coach Jason Kidd insists the drop was not on purpose, but more an effort to keep everyone healthy. Now they face off against the Toronto Raptors who are eager to prove themselves.
The Raptors won the weak Atlantic Division and third place seed in the conference, but they are viewed as the weakest team in the top four. The two teams split their meetings in the regular season, each winning once on the other's court.
The Nets have more experience in the postseason than the entire roster of the Raptors. Between Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and company, the Nets are swimming in experience. Pierce alone has played in 136 playoff games while the Raptors' have combined for 156 games total. The two teams met once before in the playoffs. Back in 2007, the New Jersey Nets met in the first round against the Raptors. The Nets were able to upset Toronto. Neither team has won a playoff series since.
Brooklyn's disadvantage is their age. Garnett is 38 and Pierce is 36. Kyle Lowry is the oldest member of the Raptors coming in at 28. The Raptors will push the pace and test the energy of the Nets. Lowry will also test his skills against Deron Williams as this series could come down to the better point guard. Williams' health will also be a key factor along with Garnett's recent back issues. Both players have missed significant time for issues and the Nets need everyone healthy in order to get the series win.
