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Raptors, Nets meet in Atlantic Division battle

Nov 21, 2008 - 11:28 AM New Jersey (4-6) at Toronto (6-5) 7:00 p.m. EST

TORONTO (Ticker) -- Jermaine O'Neal spent the last few seasons in trade rumors, some of which had him headed to the New Jersey Nets.

O'Neal will show the Nets what they could have had when his Toronto Raptors face New Jersey on Friday.

The oft-injured O'Neal was grabbed at a discount this summer by the Raptors after appearing in an average of 51.5 games over the last four years. He has proven a great fit for Toronto, and has yet to miss a game.

O'Neal scored 16 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in Wednesday's 101-95 win over the Miami Heat - his fifth double-double as a Raptor.

He has been a nice compliment to Chris Bosh, who is averaging 25.5 points and 11 rebounds per game.

The Nets are in the middle of a rebuilding season, with a roster dominated by young players. One of the few veterans, Vince Carter, ran off a streak of three straight games with 26 or more points before being held to 12 on Tuesday in a 106-82 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The biggest problem for New Jersey has been defense. The Nets allow 101.6 points per game, second-most in the Eastern Conference.