Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. New Orleans Pelicans

The Nets want to bounce back from a challenging three-game losing streak.

Peter Sunjic

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Brooklyn is in the midst of a challenging three-game losing streak, which includes a tough defeat to the Western Conference’s worst team, the San Antonio Spurs. The Nets are preparing to end the losing streak against a surging New Orleans Pelicans team at the Barclays Center.

It will be another challenging game for the Nets, as they will be playing against a talented New Orleans team that is good at both ends of the floor. Coach Kevin Ollie has his work cut out for him, but the Nets should be motivated to perform better this time.

The Pelicans will be a tough matchup

New Orleans has been one of the most impressive teams in the Western Conference this season, as projections showed they were not a top-five team. However, Zion Williamson and the rest of the Pels have smashed expectations and become a legitimate Playoff team.

The Pelicans are a challenging matchup for the Nets, considering they will be playing against a dominant Zion. Either Dorian Finney-Smith or Cameron Johnson will defend him, but they aren’t as strong as the former Duke Blue Devil. It would be a challenging matchup because Williamson can overpower them in the paint and be a walking mismatch.

Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum provide Zion with the necessary support to succeed. Brooklyn must defend all three offensive threats, which could be trouble for Coach KO’s defensive schemes.

Away from the Nets’ defense, the team will also look to succeed with the offense. Cameron Thomas will be the go-to guy, and Mikal Bridges will look to bounce back. However, they will play against lockdown defenders such as Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado.

Injury Report

Ben Simmons and Dariq Whitehead suffered long-term injuries and have undergone successful season-ending surgeries. Most of the team is healthy except for Dorian Finney-Smith, who is questionable for this game after rolling his ankle.

Herb Jones is dealing with a hip and back issue, making him probable for this game against Brooklyn. Unfortunately for New Orleans, lockdown defender Dyson Daniels is still out with his knee injury, but he has gone through a full practice, which is a promising sign for an impending return.

Popular medical YouTuber gives his assessment of Ben Simmons' injury

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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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