After breaking a two-game losing streak with a victory against the Bucks, the Brooklyn Nets will now host the San Antonio Spurs. The matchup seems to be an intriguing clash, with both teams looking to build some momentum with a win tonight. The Spurs are led by the French sensation Victor Wembanyama, while the Nets are led by Cam Johnson, but they have been pretty unfortunate in the injury department.
However, there’s some good news for the Nets fans as their leading scorer Cam Johnson who was suffering from right hip contusion and was ruled out from tonight’s clash has now been upgraded to questionable. Johnson has been Brooklyn’s primary scoring threat averaging 19.5 points, and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 49.2 percent from the field. Having him available tonight will be a huge boost for the Nets but it remains a game-day decision as of now.
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Furthermore, there seems to be a lot of buzz around the 28-year-old Nets star, with the likes of Warriors, OKC Thunder, and the Lakers in the race as the February 6 trade deadline approaches. Reportedly, the Nets are hoping for “at least one first-rounder” if they are to let go of Johnson. The franchise is also hoping for second-round picks or “a promising prospect.”
Further, it is reported that the front office at the time is not looking to bring on long-term money as part of any trade now. That is valid until they are bagging a young player with immense potential. The experts have also predicted the small forward to be among the best players to be moved by the trade deadline, owing to this feasible contract as compared to names like Jimmy Butler and Zach LaVine. Moving on, the Nets have been pretty active already in the market after sending Dennis Schroder to the Dubs and acquiring some picks, De’Anthony Melton and Reece Beekman.
Brooklyn’s productivity has taken a massive hit since Schroder’s move and injuries have further hampered their progress. In contrast to the Nets, San Antonio has been enjoying a much healthy roster, here are both team’s injury reports and depth charts for tonight’s clash at the Barclays Center.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Brooklyn Nets Injury Reports
Let’s see who’s in and who’s out prior to tonight’s clash.
Brooklyn Nets Injury Report
At this point, it would be easier to name all the available players for Brooklyn as they have the majority of the squad in the injury report. Starting with Dorian Finney-Smith who’s questionable with a calf injury. Followed by, guard Cam Thomas who is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
via Imago Nov 3, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) brings the ball upcourt in the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
One of the big names on the list is point guard Ben Simmons, who has been ruled out because of a lower back injury management. Ziaire Williams will not play due to a knee issue, and Trendon Watford has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain, and his status will be updated soon. Lastly, Bojan Bogdanovic remains out with a foot injury. All in all, it is not looking the brightest for the franchise.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Report
On the other hand, San Antonio at the moment does not have any players on their injury report and will enter tonight’s matchup with the full roster at their disposal. This will be a huge boost for the Spurs as they look to climb up in the rankings.
Depth Charts
Here’s how the Spurs and Nets stack up against each other.
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Brooklyn Nets Depth Chart
Positions Starters 1st Rotation 2nd Rotation PG Ben Simmons (out) Shake Milton Reece Beekman SG Cam Thomas (out) Ziaire Williams (out) Keon Johnson SF Cameron Johnson (probable) Jalen Wilson Ziaire Williams PF Dorian Finney-Smith (out) Noah Clowney Trendon Watford (out) C Nic Claxton Day’Ron Sharpe Ben Simmons
San Antonio Spurs Depth Chart
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Positions Starters 1st Rotation 2nd Rotation PG Chris Paul Tre Jones Stephon Castle SG Devin Vassell Stephon Castle Julian Champagnie SF Harrison Barnes Julian Champagnie Devin Vassell PF Jeremy Sochan Keldon Johnson Harrison Barnes C Victor Wembanyama Charles Bassey Zach Collins
Ultimately, the Spurs look like favorites for this one as they hold several advantages over the Nets. Most notably, their defensive prowess was anchored by none other than their towering Frenchman, Victor Wembanyama. Additionally, the Nets have lost eight of their last eleven games and are playing back-to-back. This has further affected their energy. If Brooklyn wants a result, Cam Johnson’s fitness will be the key factor. Let’s see how this game unfolds tonight.