Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs Charlotte Hornets

The Nets look to extend their winning streak to four with a game against the Hornets.

Peter Sunjic

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The Brooklyn Nets have been stellar in their last three games, securing wins and reaffirming their status as one of the Eastern Conference's formidable teams, steadily advancing to the 9-8 record.

In the upcoming matchup, the team will take on the Charlotte Hornets, a team currently sitting at a challenging 5-11 record. That has been worsened by the injury to their star point guard LaMelo Ball who is out for multiple weeks with an ankle sprain. The Nets have a golden opportunity to win here but they shouldn’t be complacent.

The Hornets are still dangerous without LaMelo

With an injury to their star man, the Hornets will now have to rely on the rest of their squad to do the heavy lifting. This means players like Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, and rookie Brandon Miller will have to step up.

Replicating LaMelo's contributions poses a challenge for the team, and they must navigate this issue in the coming weeks. Rozier is expected to take on the point guard role, emphasizing distribution over scoring.

Mikal Bridges is anticipated to handle the matchup, while Spencer Dinwiddie is also poised to match up effectively, guiding him towards the rest of the Nets defense.

The Nets need a solid defensive performance and an improved offensive game, which seems achievable given their recent level of play. Dinwiddie is excelling in playmaking, and Mikal has been outstanding lately. The bench, featuring Royce O’Neale and Lonnie Walker IV, is expected to contribute. 

However, there is a certain someone who might make their return in this game.

Injury report

The Nets are still dealing with Ben Simmons' injury, but he has started light individual work with the medical team. Dennis Smith Jr. is questionable ahead of this game, which will provide a spark off the bench and add some playmaking. Rookie Noah Clowney has a minor shoulder injury and finally, Cameron Thomas is probable for this game, which significantly boosts the Nets’ offense.

On the other side, the Hornets are dealing with LaMelo’s ankle injury but they also have the long-term injuries to Cody Martin and Frank Ntilikina to deal with. Nick Richards is also out with a concussion while Brandon Miller is questionable with a sore ankle too.

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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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