Pregame Open Thread: New Jersey Nets vs. Toronto Raptors (from London)

Second verse, same as the first. The Nets (18-43) finish their two-game set against the Toronto Raptors (17-45) in the NBA’s first game’s in London. The Nets are looking to sweep their first back-to-back this season. Here’s how they can do it:

Trust Who Got You There Yesterday: Deron Williams and Brook Lopez both had good games yesterday, but without the performances of role players like Damion James, Sundiata Gaines and Kris Humphries, they wouldn’t have won. Gaines needs to get minutes, James needs to remain the top option over Travis Outlaw and Hump should just be Hump. We don’t need to see guys like Stephen Graham or Ben Uzoh today, unless there’s an injury.

How Does Toronto Deal with Brook? Amir Johnson seemed overmatched guarding Lopez so expect Toronto to double team. That means someone is going to be open. With Anthony Morrow out with a concussion, Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar need to hit their open threes.

Watch DeMar DeRozan: He scored 30 points on 12-19 shooting and the only wing defender able to force him into a bad shot was Gaines. The Nets need to keep live bodies on DeRozan and Lopez and Hump need to be able to come over and help if DeRozan blows by his defender and has a path to the rim.

For more Raptors insights, be sure to check THN blog Raptors Republic.