GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Denver Nuggets

In this story:
The Brooklyn Nets are on a four-game losing streak dating back to their road trip to the West Coast. Now, Brooklyn moves on to a rematch with the Denver Nuggets, who they lost to during that trip in the Mile High City.
This is an important game for the Nets as they need to bounce back from their skid. It is a tough matchup ahead for Brooklyn as they are playing against the defending champions, headlined by Nikola Jokic.
How the Nets match up against the Nuggets
For Brooklyn, Mikal Bridges needs to step up and improve after struggling over the past few games. This is his opportunity to regain his confidence, as he's not in the best place after this tough stretch of scoring 16.3 points per game on an abysmal 31.9% from the field.
What a shitty week
— Mikal Bridges (@mikal_bridges) December 21, 2023
Thankfully for the rest of the Nets, Cameron Thomas has played much better recently. He has averaged 26 points over the past five games, regaining his scoring form from the beginning of the season.
TOUGH bucket
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 21, 2023
20 points for Cam 📊 pic.twitter.com/niskNj3hOT
On the other side, Jokic remains the biggest name on the scouting report. He posted a triple-double against Brooklyn just over a week ago, which he will want to do again. Nic Claxton has his hands full in defending the Joker, but the former Georgia Bulldog is more prepared for the matchup.
The Nuggets' supporting cast is filled with superb talent, headlined by Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., who are both immensely talented scorers. The Nets will have to do their best on defense to win this game, as the Nuggets can pull away in just a few possessions.
Injury Report
The Nets' injury report is slowly improving as Dennis Smith Jr. is considered probable for this game against Denver. This is a good sign for Brooklyn, as they desperately need a perimeter stopper other than Mikal. Unfortunately, Lonnie Walker IV and Ben Simmons are still sidelined, but the latest updates show they're progressing well.
The Brooklyn Nets have announced the following medical updates.
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 20, 2023
Dennis Smith Jr., who has missed the last six games due to an upper back sprain, has been cleared for full basketball activities. He will continue to increase his on-court work over the next two days and is…
For the Nuggets, Aaron Gordon is probable for this game against Brooklyn as he's dealing with a heel injury. Vlatko Cancar is out for the season with a left knee injury to round out the injury report.
Cam Johnson encourages Mikal Bridges amidst shooting slump

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.
Follow BN_Sunjic