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Raptors, Nets battle for first place in Atlantic Division

Jan 9, 2007 - 2:46 PM Toronto (15-19) at New Jersey (14-19) 7:30 pm EST

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Despite their sub-par records, the Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets are in a battle for first place.

With star forward Chris Bosh back in the lineup, the Raptors hope for their third straight victory Tuesday when they visit the Nets.

Playing in the only division where all five teams are below .500, Toronto has been making an effort to take over first place with some inspired play since the return of Bosh, who missed 12 games with a left knee injury earlier this campaign. The Raptors hold a one-half game lead over New Jersey.

On Sunday, Bosh scored 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to pace Toronto to a 116-111 triumph over Washington. Since returning, the 6-10 Bosh has been his usual solid self, averaging 23.7 points and 11.0 rebounds in three games.

The Nets had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 96-91 loss to Cleveland on Saturday. Mikki Moore had 18 points and 10 rebounds and Vince Carter also scored 18 points for New Jersey, which has turned its play around after a four-game skid last month.

The squads have split their last two meetings.