Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Orlando Magic

The Nets play a second game in two nights as they visit the Magic.

Peter Sunjic

© Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Brooklyn has another challenging game on the schedule, with a clash against the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center coming up. The Nets just played against a tough Grizzlies team on the first leg of the back-to-back.

With Cameron Thomas nursing an ankle injury, this might be a rough ride for the Nets without arguably their best offensive player. However, Kevin Ollie’s team is ready for the challenge.

Orlando is one of the East’s best teams

Sporting a 32-26 record, the Magic are hard to beat, but the Nets have already won twice against them this season. Even in Brooklyn’s rocky season, the Nets have found ways to beat a promising Orlando team in the running for an automatic Playoff berth.

Coach Jamahl Mosley's team has superb talents like first-time All-Star Paolo Banchero and his running mate, Franz Wagner. The duo combine for 43.5 points per game, a massive challenge for the Nets.

Brooklyn has to defend those two, which means Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith will have a long night. The Magic has Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony in the backcourt, who give a unique energy boost that’s hard to keep up with.

With Cam Thomas possibly out, Lonnie Walker IV and Dennis Schroder are the Nets’ playmakers for the night. It will be hard to win, but the Nets’ performance against the Grizzlies showed promise for the short term.

Without Thomas and Ben Simmons, the Nets still have plenty of weapons on the squad. Mikal is given, but watch out for good performances from Cam Johnson, Dennis Smith Jr., or even Jalen Wilson.

Injury report

Simmons won’t be playing against Orlando, as the Brooklyn medical staff still does not allow him to play in back-to-back games. Cam Thomas rolled his ankle against the Grizzlies after stepping on Day’Ron Sharpe’s foot. Thomas’ X-rays came back negative, but it might be best to stay cautious.

Orlando is dealing with two players possibly being sidelined, as Jonathan Isaac is questionable after an MRI showed no injuries on Monday. The other player is Paolo Banchero, who is dealing with an illness that could take him out for the game against the Nets. That would be a big blow, given Paolo’s hot streak of being the team’s biggest star.

Brooklyn gets a huge bounceback win against the Grizzlies

Published
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.

Home/Gameday