GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Nets are ending the year by visiting the Thunder.

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Brooklyn is coming off two straight losses heading into the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It could have been a better December for the Nets as they have a 6-8 record, but now, they face one of the best teams in the Western Conference to end the calendar year.

This will be another tough matchup for Jacque Vaughn and his team because the Thunder are phenomenal. They have a 21-9 record, and their most recent game was a blowout victory against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets.

The Nets have to be wary of the Thunder

Oklahoma City's best player is MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who will be a problematic matchup for the Nets with his natural knack for scoring and pesky defense. The 6'6" guard is averaging 31.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and a league-best 2.7 steals per game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ( @shaiglalex ) has that MVP swag 40 points 70 FG% 10-10 FT 🤯he used the spin fade on his first three buckets and majority of the game Shai 🧈breakdown by @JordanRichardSC
pic.twitter.com/BpDKYkdEbK

— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) December 30, 2023

He is not the only player to watch for OKC, as they have Rookie of the Year favorite Chet Holmgren. He is scoring 17.7 points and blocking 2.7 shots per game, amazing production from a first-year player. Nic Claxton will have his hands full in guarding Chet due to his diverse offensive skill set.

On the Nets' side, they showed promising flashes in the loss to the Wizards. Mikal Bridges topped Brooklyn's scoring charts with 19 points, and Spencer Dinwiddie was productive with his playmaking. They should continue on this trajectory because the team is not in a good place after two straight losses.

Mikal with CONFIDENCE pic.twitter.com/RsC12PwG7h

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 30, 2023

Coach Vaughn will likely roll out his new starting lineup with Dorian Finney-Smith replacing Cameron Thomas. DFS will be especially important to guard either Shai or Jalen Williams, who is scoring 18 points per game this season.

Injury Report

Brooklyn is still missing Ben Simmons with a nerve impingement in his lower back area, while Lonnie Walker IV is sitting this game out with his hamstring strain. Nic Claxton is listed as probable due to an illness, but considering he played against Washington, he will likely play against OKC.

On the other side, the Thunder are at full strength as they don't have anyone on the injury report. They are looking to end the year strong with a healthy squad in front of their fans at Paycom Center.

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