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GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Brooklyn Nets have struggled to close out games this season, especially in recent contests against the Clippers and Knicks. This upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves is an opportunity to bounce back, but it will be a challenging task against the best team in the Western Conference.
The Wolves boast a talented squad headlined by All-Stars Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. At the same time, Minnesota also has the best defense in the league, which will look to contain Jacque Vaughn's Nets.
A tough matchup for the Nets
The Timberwolves have the best record in the West with a 31-13 tally. Chris Finch’s team has been one of the most impressive squads in the league because they can lock down on defense with Rudy Gobert, but the Wolves can also outscore their rivals with Ant and KAT at the forefront.
The Nets have played better offense recently, but they will need to be on their A game for this matchup because Minnesota can capitalize on their misses and mistakes. With elite rebounders like Rudy and Towns, transition offense will be a piece of cake for the rest of the team.
Mikal Bridges is expected to be the Nets’ primary option after having a fantastic 36-point performance against the Knicks powered by seven three-pointers. He will need support because the rest of the Nets struggled to give him proper help. Expect Cameron Thomas to step up with his scoring and newly-found playmaking.
Nic Claxton will also be crucial for this matchup because he has the size, speed, and defensive prowess to match up against a frontcourt of Gobert and KAT.
Injury report
The Nets are still without Ben Simmons, who is dealing with a nerve impingement in his lower back, and Day’Ron Sharpe, who is recovering from a hyperextension in his left knee. For this game, there is a new addition to the Nets’ injury report as Cameron Johnson is questionable because of a left shoulder contusion.
Mike Coley got ruled out for his team’s game against the Washinton Wizards with an illness. That might mean he’s out for the game against Brooklyn, but he might return. The other player on the same injury report is Jalen Clark, who suffered an Achilles injury in early January.
