© Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Orlando Magic
The Brooklyn Nets got a massive victory against the Cavaliers in the previous game, and they want to keep the momentum going. This upcoming game will be against a rock-solid Orlando Magic, who sit in the Eastern Conference’s fifth seed.
The Nets found a blueprint in the win against Cleveland, as Coach Kevin Ollie maximized his duo of Cameron Thomas and Mikal Bridges. The latter became more of an off-ball player, which was a great decision, considering Mikal recovered from his slump.
Orlando is a challenging matchup
While the Nets have confidence from the win against Cleveland, the Magic is a challenging matchup. Brooklyn is familiar with Orlando already, as they have split the season series so far at one win apiece. However, the latest game on February 27 was a 27-point blowout win for Orlando.
Franz Wagner spearheaded the Magic’s offense, scoring 21 points. Orlando missed Paolo Banchero for that game, as he sat out due to an injury. Now that the All-Star forward has returned, it will be a more challenging test.
The Nets want payback from one of the worst losses this season, especially with Thomas active now. He was still out with an ankle injury for that late February game, but he’s ready to contribute now for Coach Ollie.
Bridges is back to his best after a 25-5-5 night against Cleveland. His production will be vital for this game, as the Magic’s defense will be required to stop multiple players. Of course, this won’t be an easy game for Mikal, as he will face an elite defender in Jonathan Isaac.
Injury Report
Ben Simmons and Dariq Whitehead are out for the season with long-term injuries. Aside from those two, only Cameron Johnson has a sprained ankle. However, he is already probable for Wednesday’s game against Orlando. Johnson’s return will be significant for Coach Ollie, as he will have another natural scorer alongside Thomas and Bridges.
Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz went through practice on Tuesday after sitting out in the Magic’s loss to the Pacers. They will be vital for Orlando, as they will be the primary matchups to Thomas and Dennis Schroder.
Brooklyn must do their best to win this game to keep in step with the Hawks in the Play-In race. Atlanta will play the Trail Blazers on the same day, so the expectation is the Hawks will win again, which makes this Orlando game such an important one for the Nets.
