GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics

The Nets lost to the Boston Celtics by eight points, 110 to 118 at the Barclays Center. Now, the matchup transitions to the TD Garden as the Celtics look to sweep the season series four games to none.

Coach Jacque Vaughn's squad will try their darndest to end the first half of the season on a high note. The All-Star break is coming up, and the Nets are only one player away from being fully healthy.

The Nets want a win before All-Star Weekend

Ahead of the final game before the break, the Nets have a 21-32 record. Brooklyn holds the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference, just 1.5 games behind the Play-In spots. A healthy squad after the All-Star break is vital for the Nets’ hopes for the Playoffs because they have struggled with injuries for most of the season.

It will be a huge challenge to win against Boston, but the Nets proved they could hang with the NBA’s best team in the first half of the back-to-back. Brooklyn must start better because they were superb on defense during the second half. The Nets should keep playing like they did in the second half rather than the abysmal first 24 minutes.

Cam Thomas and Jalen Wilson had their best defensive half of the season in the 2nd half vs BOSTON.

That was very promising to see. Need to see this full game from Cam, JW I have ultimate faith in to play this defense consistently. pic.twitter.com/UN4A3O3XYQ
— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) February 14, 2024

Jalen Wilson should get more minutes against the Celtics. He matches up well against Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, even if he’s a rookie. The first-year player from Kansas earned his shot at the rotation because he played well against the Celtics, providing much-needed energy and hustle.

The Celtics still have a stacked squad as they look to rely on the two Jays alongside Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, who just had a double-double against Brooklyn.

Injury report

The Nets are almost all healthy because Cameron Johnson is back and will play on the second night of the back-to-back. However, Ben Simmons is still discouraged from playing back-to-backs. He won’t play due to injury maintenance for his lower back nerve impingement.

“Yes” was the answer we got when Ben Simmons was asked if it was just precautionary for him to be OUT tomorrow night.

He went on to say that he is feeling more comfortable and getting there. He said he doesn’t know if he’ll still be on minutes restriction after All-Star break.
— Meghan Triplett (@Meghan_Triplett) February 14, 2024

Boston will still miss three players on the roster as Jaden Springer is out with an ankle injury, Xavier Tillman is dealing with a knee issue, and starting center Kristaps Porzingis is still inactive due to a back injury.

It will be another fun game to watch, as the Nets are looking for payback while the Celtics want to continue dominating the Eastern Conference.

The Nets want a win before All-Star Weekend

Injury report

The Nets fall short in the first game of a back-to-back against the Celtics