Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Phoenix Suns

The Nets want three wins in a row, but Phoenix is next on the calendar.

Peter Sunjic

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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The Nets got a massive blowout against the Utah Jazz, and Brooklyn wants to continue this momentum. That stellar performance was fueled by the return of Ben Simmons, who became the team’s primary playmaker.

Now, Brooklyn will play against the visiting Phoenix Suns led by former Nets superstar Kevin Durant. It will be KD’s first game at Barclays Center, where he does not want to get a video tribute even though the fans loved him during his four-year stint.

The Nets have the momentum

These two teams have played against each other once this season at Footprint Center when the Nets won 116 to 112. Brooklyn has the momentum heading into this game with the confidence they gained against Utah.

Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas have been stellar over the past six games, scoring 51 points as a duo. The Suns will have a tough time guarding this duo because they are confident, and their shot-making ability is some of the best in the NBA.

Nic Claxton will be a big problem for the Suns as the former Georgia Bulldog can out-rebound anyone, especially a slower center like Jusuf Nurkic. Defensively, expect Claxton to protect the rim, but he has been played in switch defense schemes recently, which amplifies his impact.

Phoenix has some big names, led by Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. This trio of stars makes any defense adjust because these are three of the best scorers of this generation. The shot-making will be superb, but don’t count out this trio’s playmaking chops because they can create plays for each other.

Injury report

After returning to the Nets lineup against Utah, Simmons is on the injury report, but he has a knee contusion from that game. Dorian Finney-Smith is still out with an ankle injury, which means Cam Thomas will likely be a starter. Day’ron Sharpe is ramping up his conditioning process, but he’s still out. Lastly, Dariq Whitehead underwent a successful season-ending surgery.

Grayson Allen and Bol Bol are questionable ahead of the Nets game with ankle and foot injuries, respectively. Losing Allen is a big blow for the Suns, considering how well he has played for Phoenix as a spot-up shooter and defender.

Cam Thomas rejects Kevin Durant's hesitancy to have a Nets video tribute: "He just be trolling"

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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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