Inside The Nets

Game Preview and Injury Report: Brooklyn Nets vs. Houston Rockets

The Nets look to tie the season series against Houston.
Peter Sunjic|
© Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

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Over the past three games, the Brooklyn Nets have shown enough promising signs to compete with superb teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers. Brooklyn could’ve won all three contests, but their late-game execution has been a struggle all season.

Now, they have a chance to end the losing streak as they play against the Houston Rockets on the second night of a back-to-back. Still, the Nets have a tough matchup ahead of them, facing a well-coached Ime Udoka's team with plenty of talented players.

Houston is a challenging opponent for Brooklyn

The Nets and Rockets faced each other earlier in January. The matchup happened in Houston’s Toyota Center, where the home team won 101-112. That matchup had Rockets big man Alperen Sengun having a 30-point night, while veteran guard Fred VanVleet put up a 21-point and 10-assist double-double.

The Nets had a strong and well-rounded performance that night, with seven players scoring in double figures. Unfortunately, Brooklyn lost the game, continuing their slide down the Eastern Conference standings.

Much has been the same for the Nets as the team has struggled since, but the Rockets have also faced some issues over the past few weeks. However, they will still be an extremely challenging opponent because of Sengun’s consistent production with contributions from VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green.

Coach Jacque Vaughn should demand more from his team in what is a winnable game for the Nets, especially with Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas’ production recently.

Injury report

The Nets are still without Ben Simmons, Day’Ron Sharpe, and rookie Dariq Whitehead. Thankfully for Brooklyn, Simmons is ramping up and is ready to contribute in the coming week. He will not play against the Rockets, but his return is imminent, which will be a massive boost for the group.

Houston has three players on the injury report: Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Victor Oladipo. Losing both Smith and Eason is a big blow to the Rockets because they are significant contributors to the team with their length, athleticism, and hustle.

It will be a fun game, especially with the chess match between former colleagues in Coach Vaughn and Coach Udoka. 

Nic Claxton wants the Brooklyn Nets to remain positive amidst adversity

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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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