Toronto (20-37) at New Jersey (31-26) 1:00 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) - The New Jersey Nets try
to snap a three-game slide Saturday when they host the Toronto
Raptors.
New Jersey is coming off a 100-90 setback against Minnesota on
Wednesday in which its bench was outscored by the Timberwolves'
by a whopping 40-4.
Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson and Jason Kidd combined for 74
points in the defeat.
The Raptors also have struggled of late, losing their last five
contests, including a 113-111 overtime loss to Atlanta on
Wednesday.
After being fouled while attempting a 3-pointer, Morris Peterson
sank all three foul shots to force overtime, but the Raptors
failed to keep pace in the extra session.
Chris Bosh scored 27 points and rookie Charlie Villanueva added
25 and 11 rebounds in the setback. Peterson and Mike James both
finished with 21 points for Toronto, which had four starters
reach the 20-point plateau for the third time in franchise
history.
The first two matchups between these clubs this season were
convincing wins for the visitor, but the most recent ended in
thrilling fashion. On January 8, former Raptor Carter nailed
the eventual game-winning 3-pointer with one-tenth of a second
left for a 105-104 triumph.
The 6-6 All-star, who averages 27.6 points in five games against
his former team, scored 42 points - 24 during the final period.