GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Golden State Warriors
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The Nets have won four of the previous five games, which is superb after the struggles in the past few months. Coach Jacque Vaughn's squad is looking to beat the visiting Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, to get a second win in a row.
This upcoming game will be fun, considering Steph is red-hot after his 60-point performance against the Hawks. At the same time, Cameron Thomas has been playing well recently, especially in the win against Philly when he had 40 points.
SHEESH 🥶 https://t.co/rN9NGy2ajY pic.twitter.com/rL0Mqu4KC6
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 4, 2024
Two teams in similar positions clash
Coming into this game, the Nets are at the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Warriors are 12th in the West. Both teams want to qualify for the Playoffs, and this game will be crucial in earning those spots.
Golden State is coming off a crushing overtime loss to Atlanta, even when Steph scored 60 points. That kind of performance is an eye-opener for the Dubs because the team knows they are capable. The loss will be a motivating factor ahead of this game for the entire Warriors squad since Steph’s teammates must help him.
Brooklyn has been playing well recently, especially Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges. The duo has scored 53.8 points per game in the last five, which will likely continue in this game. The Warriors aren’t the elite defensive team they once were, and having two superb scorers will make it hard for any team to defend.
Here are some @24_camthomas highlights to go with your morning coffee ☕️ pic.twitter.com/8wl7OZd9DX
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 4, 2024
Injury report
The Nets have a lengthy injury report for this game because four players are confirmed to be out. Dariq Whitehead is a player with a long-term injury after season-ending surgery on his left shin stress reaction. Day’Ron Sharpe is still ruled out for this game because he’s not yet participating in team workouts.
After returning from a knee contusion and a lower back nerve impingement, Ben Simmons is sitting out this game due to injury maintenance for his back. Dorian Finney-Smith will still be out as he’s nursing an ankle injury. Lastly, Dennis Smith Jr. is probable for the upcoming game.
In his first game of NBA action since November 6th, Ben Simmons put up 10 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists (𝟬 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀) with a steal and a block while shooting 5/5 from the floor in 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 18 minutes of action.
— 𝗕𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘🚨 (@bmore_TM) January 30, 2024
The foundation is there for Ben to be a net positive… pic.twitter.com/dtFLVKNNhK
The Warriors are also dealing with four players in the injury report. Gary Payton II and Chris Paul are confirmed to be out of this game and will get re-evaluated in a couple of weeks. Dario Saric is probable due to an illness, while Andrew Wiggins is doubtful due to a sore left ankle.