Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Clippers

Nets look to bounce back from their losses in a game against the new-look Clippers.
Peter Sunjic|
© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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Brooklyn NetsLos Angeles Clippers

The Brooklyn Nets had encouraging performances against title contenders Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. Despite losing, they had a shot at winning both games but, unfortunately, couldn’t finalize the wins.

Now, the team is looking to get their first win at home in the Barclays Center against a new-look Los Angeles Clippers team. The Nets will play against a familiar face in James Harden who is playing in only his second game with the team. The Nets will likely be playing another close game here, which they’ve already experienced multiple times in the 2023/24 season.

“We just got to know how to win games at the end,” Mikal Bridges said after the Bucks game. “We’ve done it, we just got to continue to do it. We just gotta continue to do it against good teams or high-level teams like Milwaukee, the Clippers, and Boston.”

The Nets will have their hands full defensively

The Clippers pose a formidable challenge with a roster brimming with offensive firepower. Their starting lineup boasts four of basketball's marquee names: Harden, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.

The Nets will have to defend to the best of their ability because when those four get going, it will be very difficult to withstand the Clippers’ offense. That is not the only problem they have to face because, off the bench, they have two explosive scorers in Norman Powell and Bones Hyland.

Thankfully, the Nets have superb defensive players with Ben Simmons, Mikal Bridges, and Dennis Smith Jr. leading the way. They are without Nic Claxton, their elite rim protector but you can expect the Nets to play a scrappy game to keep this Clippers squad under control.

Offensively, the Nets can overwhelm them with their recent form. Cameron Thomas and Bridges have been excellent this season. Both of them are coming off amazing performances and they will look to maintain that level this time around.

Injury report

Nic Claxton remains sidelined with an ankle sprain, while Cameron Johnson's status has been upgraded to doubtful due to a calf injury. The Nets are expected to stick with their recent lineup, featuring Dorian Finney-Smith at center. Lonnie Walker, although not listed on the injury report, has been dealing with knee soreness.

For the Clippers, Terance Mann had an ankle injury that made him miss their last game against the New York Knicks. Brandon Boston Jr. is still dealing with his quadriceps injury which will sidelined him for weeks. Lastly, Mason Plumlee sprained his left knee in the Knicks game which puts him day-to-day. 

Ben Simmons is thriving as the Brooklyn Nets’ primary playmaker

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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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