Raptors' playoff hopes receive major boost with lengthy Nets injury report

Toronto can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the short-handed Nets in the season finale.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:41pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstracted basketball game between the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets, with the players' forms fractured and overlapping, creating a sense of dynamic movement and energy on the court.The Raptors' playoff hopes get a boost as the depleted Nets struggle to field a full roster for the season finale.Today in Miami

The Toronto Raptors are in a tight race to clinch a playoff spot, and their chances received a major boost with the Brooklyn Nets ruling out several key players for the season finale. The Nets, who have already clinched a bottom-three finish, will be without Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney, Ziaire Williams, Terance Mann and Josh Minott, leaving them with just eight available players. The Raptors, on the other hand, are 23.5-point favorites and can clinch a playoff berth with a win over the depleted Nets.

Why it matters

The Raptors' playoff hopes have come down to the wire, and this game against the Nets presents a prime opportunity for them to secure a postseason spot. With the Nets resting several key players, the Raptors are heavily favored to win and avoid the play-in tournament.

The details

The Raptors hold the same record as the Orlando Magic but sit in sixth place due to a tiebreaker. They must win their final game of the season to avoid the play-in tournament. Meanwhile, the Nets have already clinched a bottom-three finish but are still jockeying for position in the draft lottery standings.

  • The Raptors' final game of the season is on Sunday, April 14, 2026.
  • The Nets have ruled out several players for the season finale against the Raptors.

The players

Darko Rajaković

The head coach of the Toronto Raptors.

Michael Porter Jr.

A player for the Brooklyn Nets who is sidelined with an injury.

Nic Claxton

A player for the Brooklyn Nets who has been ruled out for the season finale against the Raptors.

R.J. Barrett

A player for the Toronto Raptors who is questionable for the season finale.

Trayce Jackson-Davis

A player for the Toronto Raptors who is questionable for the season finale.

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What’s next

The Raptors will play the Nets on Sunday, April 14, 2026, in their final game of the regular season. If the Raptors win, they will clinch a playoff spot. Their most likely opponent in the first round would be the New York Knicks.

The takeaway

The Raptors have a golden opportunity to clinch a playoff spot in their season finale against the short-handed Nets. With the Nets resting several key players, the Raptors are heavily favored to win and avoid the play-in tournament, setting up a potential first-round matchup with the New York Knicks.