Nets Defeat Raptors 96-81 at Barclays Center
Sunday, December 21, 2025, 6:00 PM ET · Barclays Center
Brooklyn Nets 96, Toronto Raptors 81, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Toronto Raptors vs Brooklyn Nets?
Brooklyn Nets beat Toronto Raptors 96-81 at Barclays Center on December 21, 2025.
Who was favored in Toronto Raptors vs Brooklyn Nets?
Toronto Raptors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
The Brooklyn Nets secured a decisive 96-81 victory over the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center, marking a significant win for the struggling home team. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the Nets' ability to overcome a challenging season, improving their home record to 9-19 while the Raptors fell to 17-14 on the road. The victory also allowed the Nets to narrow the Raptors' lead in their season series to 2-2, after Toronto had previously dominated with a 2-1 advantage.
In terms of recent form, the Nets had a record of 4-6 over their last ten games, entering this matchup on a one-game losing streak after a defeat to the Miami Heat just two days prior. They had averaged 109.3 points scored while allowing 108.1 points during this stretch. At home, their record stood at 4-6 in their last ten games, with an average of 112.4 points scored and 106.2 points allowed in their last five games. Conversely, the Raptors also had a 4-6 record in their last ten games, but they were riding a two-game winning streak after victories against the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks. Toronto's scoring average during this stretch was 106.0 points, but they allowed 112.0 points per game.
The Nets were particularly effective at home, having won three of their last five games at Barclays Center. They had previously defeated the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks in recent home games, demonstrating their ability to perform in front of their fans. The Raptors, on the other hand, struggled on the road with a record of 2-4 in their last six away games, which included losses to the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Nets had struggled against the Raptors recently, losing five of their last six encounters. The most recent meeting before this game was on November 23, 2025, where the Nets lost 109-119 in Toronto. However, the Nets' win in this game may signal a turning point in their rivalry.
Injuries played a role in the game, with both teams dealing with key players listed as day-to-day. The Nets had Nolan Traore dealing with a knee issue, while the Raptors had multiple players, including Nate Bittle, Alijah Martin, Chucky Hepburn, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Immanuel Quickley, all listed as day-to-day due to various knee and hamstring injuries. The absence of these players could have impacted the Raptors' performance, particularly in terms of depth and scoring options.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Raptors favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 216.5. The odds reflected a belief that the Raptors would perform well, but the Nets' strong showing at home turned the expectations on their head.
Conditions during the game were typical for a winter evening in Brooklyn, with a lively crowd at Barclays Center supporting the Nets. Fans witnessed a game where the Nets' defense proved crucial, limiting the Raptors to just 81 points. The Nets' scoring was led by strong performances in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a series of key plays that extended their lead.
As the game progressed, the Nets demonstrated their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with Nic Claxton making a crucial alley-oop dunk assisted by Michael Porter Jr. This play was part of a strong fourth-quarter performance that saw the Nets outscore the Raptors significantly. Immanuel Quickley contributed with free throws, while Egor Demin and Nolan Traore added to the scoring with critical shots in the closing minutes.
Overall, this game served as a reminder of the Nets' potential when they play cohesively at home, while also highlighting the challenges the Raptors face as they navigate injuries and inconsistent performances. The Nets' victory not only boosts their morale but also sets the stage for a more competitive series as they look to build on this success in future matchups.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TOR -3.5 | 216.5 o -108 / u -112 | Toronto Raptors -155 · Brooklyn Nets +130 |
Injury report
- Nolan TraoreDay-To-DayKneeBrooklyn Nets
- Nate BittleDay-To-DayKneeToronto Raptors
- Alijah MartinDay-To-DayKneeToronto Raptors
- Chucky HepburnDay-To-DayKneeToronto Raptors
- Collin Murray-BoylesDay-To-DayFingerToronto Raptors
- Immanuel QuickleyDay-To-DayHamstringToronto Raptors
Leaders
- PointsMichael Porter Jr.24Brooklyn Nets
- AssistsTerance Mann7Brooklyn Nets
- ReboundsMichael Porter Jr.11Brooklyn Nets
- PointsBrandon Ingram19Toronto Raptors
- AssistsImmanuel Quickley10Toronto Raptors
- ReboundsScottie Barnes6Toronto Raptors
Recent form
Brooklyn Nets
Last 10: 4-6Streak L1109.3 scored · 108.1 allowed per game3-4 at home
- L95-106vs Miami HeatDec 19
- W127-82vs Milwaukee BucksDec 14
- L111-119at Dallas MavericksDec 13
- W119-101vs New Orleans PelicansDec 6
- L110-123vs Utah JazzDec 5
- W113-103at Chicago BullsDec 4
- W116-103vs Charlotte HornetsDec 2
- L99-116at Milwaukee BucksNov 30
- L103-115vs Philadelphia 76ersNov 29
- L100-113vs New York KnicksNov 25
Toronto Raptors
Last 10: 4-6Streak W2106 scored · 112 allowed per game2-2 away
- W111-105at Milwaukee BucksDec 19
- W106-96at Miami HeatDec 16
- L101-117vs New York KnicksDec 10
- L113-121vs Boston CelticsDec 7
- L86-111vs Charlotte HornetsDec 6
- L120-123vs Los Angeles LakersDec 5
- W121-118vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 3
- L94-116at New York KnicksNov 30
- L111-118at Charlotte HornetsNov 29
- W97-95vs Indiana PacersNov 27
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
Box score
| Stat | Toronto Raptors | Brooklyn Nets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-86 | 35-75 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 10-36 | 14-35 |
| Three-point % | 28 | 40 |
| Free throws | 7-8 | 12-16 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 48 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 42 |
| Assists | 23 | 29 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 21 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 32 |
| Fouls | 19 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 15 | 69 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter45-58Noah Clowney makes 23-foot three point jumper (Egor Demin assists)
- 3rd Quarter45-59Noah Clowney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter45-60Noah Clowney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter48-60Brandon Ingram makes 25-foot three pointer (Collin Murray-Boyles assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-60Ja'Kobe Walter makes 1-foot dunk (Jamal Shead assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-61Noah Clowney makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter50-62Noah Clowney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter52-62Brandon Ingram makes 19-foot running pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter52-63Nolan Traore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter52-64Day'Ron Sharpe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter52-65Day'Ron Sharpe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-65Immanuel Quickley makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot (Jamal Shead assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-66Ziaire Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-67Ziaire Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter57-67Gradey Dick makes 23-foot three point jumper (Immanuel Quickley assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-67Scottie Barnes makes 4-foot layup (Immanuel Quickley assists)
- 3rd Quarter62-67Immanuel Quickley makes 25-foot running pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter65-67Immanuel Quickley makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter67-67Jamison Battle makes 3-foot layup (Immanuel Quickley assists)
- 4th Quarter69-67Collin Murray-Boyles makes 2-foot running dunk (Immanuel Quickley assists)
- 4th Quarter69-69Michael Porter Jr. makes running layup (Egor Demin assists)
- 4th Quarter71-69Immanuel Quickley makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter71-72Egor Demin makes 26-foot three pointer (Terance Mann assists)
- 4th Quarter73-72Jamison Battle makes 2-foot dunk (Collin Murray-Boyles assists)
- 4th Quarter73-74Terance Mann makes 20-foot jumper
- 4th Quarter73-76Noah Clowney makes running layup (Michael Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter73-79Egor Demin makes 30-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter73-82Noah Clowney makes 25-foot three point jumper (Terance Mann assists)
- 4th Quarter74-82Brandon Ingram makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-82Brandon Ingram makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-84Nic Claxton makes 1-foot dunk (Terance Mann assists)
- 4th Quarter75-86Nic Claxton makes 6-foot two point shot (Nolan Traore assists)
- 4th Quarter75-88Nic Claxton makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Michael Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter76-88Immanuel Quickley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-88Immanuel Quickley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-91Egor Demin makes 23-foot three point jumper (Danny Wolf assists)
- 4th Quarter77-93Nolan Traore makes driving layup (Nic Claxton assists)
- 4th Quarter79-93Collin Murray-Boyles makes 3-foot layup (Garrett Temple assists)
- 4th Quarter81-93Collin Murray-Boyles makes running dunk (Jamison Battle assists)
- 4th Quarter81-96Noah Clowney makes 25-foot three point jumper (Michael Porter Jr. assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Brooklyn Nets, below favours Toronto Raptors.
Venue
- Barclays CenterBrooklyn, NY
- Attendance17548
- OfficialsScott Foster, Evan Scott, Natalie Sago
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