Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Miami Heat

The Nets are back in action after the visit to Paris.

Peter Sunjic

© John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
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The Brooklyn Nets are playing their first game since the loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Paris. In that game, the Nets played a dismal first half, but the second half showed some promising signs for Jacque Vaughn's team.

The Nets return to Barclays Center and are hosting the Miami Heat. It will be another tough matchup for Brooklyn because Miami is the favorite with a 23-16 record compared to the Nets’ 16-22 tally.

Miami has the momentum ahead of this game

This game will be the second night of a back-to-back for Miami because the team just won against the Charlotte Hornets 104-87. That is positive momentum compared to the Nets’ two-game skid.

Bam Adebayo will be the star to watch for Miami, scoring 22.1 points per game while grabbing 10.4 rebounds. He will be a tough matchup for Brooklyn because Nic Claxton will guard him while guarding the pick-and-roll. The bench has to step up to help Nic rest because he will shoulder a heavy responsibility with Day’Ron Sharpe sidelined.

On the perimeter, Tyler Herro is the biggest offensive threat for the Heat. Defensive stopper Mikal Bridges will guard him, as Tyler’s scoring 22.4 points per game while being a solid offensive performer on all three levels.

Brooklyn has to step up on offense to start the game. Against Cleveland, the Nets only ramped up in the second half. Cameron Thomas and Mikal must keep shooting well so Brooklyn’s offensive efforts won’t go stale anymore.

Injury report

The Nets are dealing with two injuries, with Ben Simmons remaining sidelined with a nerve impingement in his lower back. Day’Ron Sharpe is also out for the next two weeks with a left knee hyperextension.

On the other side, Miami has four players on the injury report. Kevin Love will travel with the team to Brooklyn, but he’s nursing a knee issue. Jimmy Butler is dealing with a toe injury, but he will also travel to Brooklyn with the team. 

Promising rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. is sidelined with a groin injury, forcing him to stay in Miami to recover. Lastly, Dru Smith is out for the remainder of the season with a major knee injury.

Mikal Bridges reacts to soccer superstars watching the Nets play in Paris

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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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