Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs Atlanta Hawks

Amidst a challenging season marked by injuries and offensive woes, the Nets face the Atlanta Hawks in a crucial matchup to regain momentum.

Peter Sunjic

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The Brooklyn Nets have experienced a roller-coaster 2023/24 season so far. Plagued by numerous injuries, the team has faced challenges in maintaining consistent production from their roster, resulting in a stagnant offense and insufficient defensive to sustain a fast-paced game.

They are set to face the Atlanta Hawks, an offensive powerhouse ranked fifth in points per game at 119.9.

Trae Young is leading the way for the team with his playmaking and scoring ability and he is paired with fellow star guard Dejounte Murray.

“We've put our guys in a position schematically to take risks. It’s really just getting our guys comfortable with the result,” Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said in his practice session press conference. “Sometimes you get a little on edge, especially when you’re playing high-quality teams… And so being in that uncomfortable zone and being able to still take risks and gamble. We’ll still push that envelope.”

Finding good production on offense

Without Cameron Thomas and Ben Simmons, the Nets have failed to find consistent production outside of starting wing Mikal Bridges and sixth man Lonnie Walker IV.

One player facing challenges is Spencer Dinwiddie, with an average of 11 points per game on 26.3% shooting in recent matchups against the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers. Anticipate an improved contribution from him in this game as he aims to recover from those performances.

Cameron Johnson is another player who has been struggling this season, especially since he just returned from injury. He is scoring 13.7 points per game on 40.3% from the field, a stat line that’s bizarre to most people familiar with Johnson’s efficiency.

This game against the Hawks is an opportunity for the Nets to recalibrate as they’re facing the 24th-ranked team in the NBA for points allowed per game at 117.9. Also, take note that the Hawks just played an exhausting game in a 152-157 loss to the Indiana Pacers last night.

Injury report

The Nets are still without Cameron Thomas who is nursing his ankle injury, while Ben Simmons and Dennis Smith Jr. are dealing with lower-body injuries of their own. Expect Dinwiddie to play most of the game as the primary ball-handler with the guard depth still short.

On the other side, the Hawks are still missing Kobe Bufkin due to a thumb fracture and Mouhamed Gueye who’s dealing with a back injury. AJ Griffin is questionable to play due to an illness that forced him out last night against the Pacers.

Cam Thomas Recovery Update: Anticipated Details Revealed by Nets Head Coach

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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