Nets’ Star Ready to Face Short-Handed Nuggets
The Brooklyn Nets will compete against the Denver Nuggets this evening, aiming to recover from a recent losing streak. Over the past month, the Nets experienced a positive turn, achieving seven victories in ten games in December. Under head coach Jordi Fernandez, the team’s defense has improved significantly, while players like Cam Thomas have gained confidence alongside several young talents.
However, the Nets have struggled recently, dropping three consecutive games against the Warriors, Rockets, and Wizards. They now face one of the top teams in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets, who have also faced challenges due to injuries, potentially allowing Brooklyn a chance to rebound.
Nets’ and Nuggets’ Injury Reports
Brooklyn Nets Injuries
- Nic Claxton — Out: Personal reasons
- Tyson Etienne — Out: G League
- Haywood Highsmith — Out: Right knee recovery
- Chaney Johnson — Out: G League
- EJ Liddell — Out: G League
- Michael Porter Jr. — Available: Illness
- Ben Saraf — Out: G League
Denver Nuggets Injuries
- Tamar Bates — Out: Left foot surgery
- Christian Braun — Questionable: Left ankle sprain
- Aaron Gordon — Questionable: Right hamstring strain
- Cameron Johnson — Out: Right knee bone bruise
- Nikola Jokic — Out: Left knee bone bruise
- Jamal Murray — Probable: Left ankle sprain
- Jonas Valanciunas — Out: Right calf strain
Brooklyn’s starting center, Nic Claxton, will miss the game, alongside forward Haywood Highsmith, who is yet to make his seasonal debut. Fortunately, Michael Porter Jr. is available after missing two games due to illness. Notably, he has been the Nets’ leading scorer, averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, making him a key player to watch.
The Nuggets currently struggle with injuries. Their three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, has sustained a hyperextension that will sideline him for several weeks. Other starters, such as Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun, and Aaron Gordon, are also dealing with injuries, impacting the team’s depth. Backup center Jonas Valanciunas recently appeared on the injury list after scoring 17 points in a game without Jokic.
The matchup between the Nets and Nuggets is set to start at 2:30 p.m. CT at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. This game presents an opportunity for both teams amidst their injury challenges.
