The Brooklyn Nets travel to Scotiabank Arena on Sunday to face the Toronto Raptors with both teams navigating injury concerns that could shape rotation decisions and on-court matchups. Toronto enters at 45-36, sixth in the Eastern Conference, while Brooklyn sits 13th at 20-61 and has already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Brooklyn’s injury report is extensive, with multiple rotation players ruled out, including leading scorer Michael Porter Jr., who is sidelined with a left hamstring strain. Porter averages 24.2 points and 7.1 rebounds, leaving a major scoring gap for a team already struggling offensively.
The Nets are also without starting center Nic Claxton, who is out with a right fifth finger sprain. Claxton provides 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and rim protection, making his absence impactful on both ends.
Frontcourt depth is further limited with Noah Clowney, Day’Ron Sharpe, Danny Wolf, and Josh Minott all ruled out due to various injuries. That leaves Brooklyn thin in rebounding and interior defense, areas that could be targeted by Toronto’s front line.
Perimeter and wing depth are also affected, with Ziaire Williams and Terance Mann unavailable, while rookie guard Egor Demin is out with plantar fascia issues. Nolan Traore is listed as questionable due to illness, adding more uncertainty to the backcourt rotation.
Ochai Agbaji is probable with lower back soreness and could be one of the few available two-way contributors.
Toronto’s injury report is shorter but still includes key names. RJ Barrett is questionable with right knee soreness, and his status is critical given his 19.1 points per game scoring role alongside Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes.
Trayce Jackson-Davis and Collin Murray-Boyles are both listed as questionable, which could affect Toronto’s frontcourt rotation and bench production. Chucky Hepburn is out following right knee surgery recovery.
The Raptors remain in a competitive position in the standings, holding the sixth seed, and are coming off a 128-114 win over Miami. Brooklyn, meanwhile, has lost seven of its last ten games and is coming off a 125-108 loss in Milwaukee.
Toronto has also had the edge in the season series, winning two of three matchups, including back-to-back 119-109 victories in November. Brooklyn’s lone win came in a 96-81 defensive result in December.
Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET in Toronto.
