Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Washington Wizards

The Nets are off to Washington to play the Wizards after the bizarre game against Milwaukee at home.

Peter Sunjic

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Brooklyn is set to play against the Washington Wizards as they look to get back to a .500 record. They visit Capitol One Center for the first time since beating the Wizards in early December at Barclays Center 124 to 97.

This game presents an opportunity for the Nets to bounce back from their recent setback against Milwaukee, with the majority of the starting lineup returning after getting rest in the previous game.

The Nets need to dominate the Wizards

The Nets have the potential to outperform Washington in this game, considering the significant gap in their standings. Wes Unseld Jr.'s Wizards have secured only five wins this season, in contrast to Brooklyn's 15. Nevertheless, the Nets shouldn't underestimate their opponents, as they remain a talented squad.

Kyle Kuzma is the biggest threat for Washington, as he's averaging 22.5 points per game on 46.3% from the field. He will be a tough matchup as a taller forward who can dribble, but players like Royce O'Neale and Cameron Johnson are ready for the challenge.

Brooklyn needs to keep a close eye on Jordan Poole, as he has the potential to dominate the game. Dennis Smith Jr. and Mikal Bridges must focus on limiting his scoring and disrupting his rhythm.

Jacque Vaughn's team has consistently struggled to start games strongly this season, and addressing this issue is essential. In their recent win against the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn established a solid lead by utilizing effective ball movement to generate open shots. Anticipate the Nets returning to this style of play, complemented by the individual skills of players like Cameron Thomas or Mikal.

Injury Report

Following the controversy of the Nets resting players in the Milwaukee game, the team is expected to field a stronger lineup for this matchup. Ben Simmons and Lonnie Walker IV remain sidelined due to injuries. Nic Claxton and Dorian Finney-Smith are considered probable, with illness and left knee soreness, respectively.

Noah Clowney and Dariq Whitehead won't be available for this game as they are on G League assignment, and recent standout Jalen Wilson is not slated to be in the rotation.

For Washington, Danilo Gallinari is questionable due to lower back tightness. He is the only player on the injury report, as Delon Wright has been cleared to play after sitting out the previous game against Toronto due to injury maintenance.

Brooklyn needs to win this game to wash their hands off the loss to the Bucks. That was a bitter pill for Nets fans, so winning this game would be a great result for them.

Jacque Vaughn gives the reasoning behind sitting most of his starters

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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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