Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Denver Nuggets

In the second leg of a back-to-back, the Brooklyn Nets face the defending champion Denver Nuggets.

Marin Gabric

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The Brooklyn Nets are playing their second game in two nights and they have a titanic tussle ahead against the defending champion, Denver Nuggets. This matchup is expected to pose a significant challenge for the Nets, considering the Nuggets' status as one of the top-tier teams in the league.

Fresh off a victory against the Phoenix Suns, the team faces a formidable challenge against the Nuggets, led by the outstanding Nikola Jokic, who boasts impressive averages of 27.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game this season.

The Nuggets are a tough code to crack

Whenever teams play against the Nuggets, their attention is fully on Jokic. He is the focal point of the offense as he’s not only their best scorer but he’s also a superb playmaker too. That will mean it will be a competitive night for the Nets’ big men Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe.

The Nets are geared up to handle Jokic's moves defensively, emphasizing the need to stay ahead of the Serbian player in their quest for victory at the high-altitude challenge in Denver.

The rest of the Nuggets roster is underrated because they have some talented players. In the available squad, Michael Porter Jr. is the biggest threat with his shooting ability and length which can be a mismatch to most wings. Thankfully, the Nets have an abundance of solid wing players like Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith who can keep up with him.

Amidst the absence of Denver’s starting backcourt, Reggie Jackson has been superb in the 2023/24 season, averaging 13.7 points per game. He will be one to watch for the Nets as he will have a bigger role in this game.

Injury report

The Nets are still without Ben Simmons and Lonnie Walker IV who are both progressing well in their recovery processes, but they’re not available for this game in Mile High City. Dennis Smith Jr. is still not active after issues with his back popped up again.

On the Nuggets’ side, the starting backcourt of Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope remain out with their ankle and head injuries respectively. They are also without backup big man Jay Huff and Vlatko Cancar’s long-term injury will keep him out indefinitely.

This game will be a fun one for both teams at Ball Arena as the Nets look to stop the defending champions on their home turf.

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Marin Gabric
MARIN GABRIC

Marin's love for writing developed in high school but was furthered in college when he took a number of creative writing courses. Doing sports writing felt like an extremely natural continuation, as it furthered his passions in both writing and basketball.  Marin loves the feeling of looking at stats after a game and analyzing what each team could've done better or what they excel in compared to the rest of the league. And the ability to do so for his favorite team, the Brooklyn Nets, is quite special in itself. 

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