Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs Dallas Mavericks

The Nets look to bounce back from their season opener loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Peter Sunjic|
© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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Brooklyn NetsDallas Mavericks

The Brooklyn Nets tipped off their 2023/24 campaign with a rough result as they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-114. Now, they go on the road to play a familiar face in Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks.

Starting center Nic Claxton has been ruled out against the Mavs as he is nursing a left ankle sprain he suffered during the Cavs game. Following the game, Coach Jacque Vaughn fielded questions about Claxton's visible struggle on the court.

“No, that’s just a part of us trying to play hard and physical. I do want to build our guys up (to) maybe they have the ability to play extremely hard and 30 plus minutes, that is the goal,” Vaughn said.

An opportunity to make a big splash

This game offers the Nets a valuable opportunity to go head-to-head with a talented Mavericks squad. Kyrie, a well-known figure for Nets fans, had previously sought a trade from Brooklyn in the 2022/23 season. Now, he's alongside Luka Doncic, representing the Mavs.

Dallas is fresh off a strong season opener victory against the San Antonio Spurs, Luka had a 33-13-10 triple-double while his supporting cast had great performances of their own. Kyrie had 22 points and rookie Dereck Lively II was as good as advertised with a 16-point and ten-rebound double-double.

The Mavericks are projected to make the Playoffs this season and with that, beating them would be a big splash for the Nets as they look to make it to the post-season again after their sixth-seed finish in the 2022/23 season.

Injury report

Brooklyn's rookie, Dariq Whitehead, is still sidelined for this game, but he is making progress in his recovery. Claxton, on the other hand, won't be playing due to a rolled left ankle, which is expected to pave the way for Day’Ron Sharpe to step in as the starting center.

For the Mavs, there is no one on their injury report so the Nets should expect a fully-healthy roster in front of them. 

Cam Thomas reflects on his 36-point performance against Cleveland Cavaliers

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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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