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GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Brooklyn is in the midst of a challenging three-game losing streak, which includes a tough defeat to the Western Conference’s worst team, the San Antonio Spurs. The Nets are preparing to end the losing streak against a surging New Orleans Pelicans team at the Barclays Center.
It will be another challenging game for the Nets, as they will be playing against a talented New Orleans team that is good at both ends of the floor. Coach Kevin Ollie has his work cut out for him, but the Nets should be motivated to perform better this time.
The Pelicans will be a tough matchup
New Orleans has been one of the most impressive teams in the Western Conference this season, as projections showed they were not a top-five team. However, Zion Williamson and the rest of the Pels have smashed expectations and become a legitimate Playoff team.
The Pelicans are a challenging matchup for the Nets, considering they will be playing against a dominant Zion. Either Dorian Finney-Smith or Cameron Johnson will defend him, but they aren’t as strong as the former Duke Blue Devil. It would be a challenging matchup because Williamson can overpower them in the paint and be a walking mismatch.
Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum provide Zion with the necessary support to succeed. Brooklyn must defend all three offensive threats, which could be trouble for Coach KO’s defensive schemes.
Away from the Nets’ defense, the team will also look to succeed with the offense. Cameron Thomas will be the go-to guy, and Mikal Bridges will look to bounce back. However, they will play against lockdown defenders such as Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado.
Injury Report
Ben Simmons and Dariq Whitehead suffered long-term injuries and have undergone successful season-ending surgeries. Most of the team is healthy except for Dorian Finney-Smith, who is questionable for this game after rolling his ankle.
Herb Jones is dealing with a hip and back issue, making him probable for this game against Brooklyn. Unfortunately for New Orleans, lockdown defender Dyson Daniels is still out with his knee injury, but he has gone through a full practice, which is a promising sign for an impending return.
