GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Phoenix Suns

The Brooklyn Nets look to bounce back from their loss to the Kings with a clash against the Phoenix Suns.

© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Nets just lost to the Sacramento Kings, who scored 25 three-pointers on them, setting a franchise record. That will motivate the Nets ahead of this game because they will look to redeem themselves after being trounced like that by Sacramento.

Indeed, facing the Phoenix Suns won't be a walk in the park, given their lineup featuring top-tier superstars such as Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker at the forefront.

With Bradley Beal returning tonight, a look at the plus/minus for Suns lineup combos this season:

Booker + Durant: +8.3
Book without KD: +5.9
KD without Book: +4.8
No Book, KD, or Beal: -19.4

How Beal runs Phoenix lineups without KD and Book is what I'll be watching for. pic.twitter.com/rto3T59CJw

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) December 12, 2023

Phoenix is a tough matchup for the Nets

While the Suns currently hold a modest record at 12-10, their formidable star-studded lineup suggests they could emerge as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. 

Mikal Bridges will most likely take the Booker matchup. Thankfully, the Nets have more wings that can guard most of these stars. Expect players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale to get significant minutes in this game to help contain their perimeter stars.

Dorian Finney-Smith again with a huge block. He is really hooping tonight: pic.twitter.com/rb6vCeishN

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) December 12, 2023

Defensively, Phoenix is not a world-beater that Brooklyn could take advantage of. Having both Bridges and Cameron Thomas will prove invaluable for the Nets as they look to outscore this Suns team with the help of Spencer Dinwiddie as a tertiary offensive option.

The role players will have to shine for both teams, but the Nets' having names like Cameron Johnson, O'Neale, and Finney-Smith will be vital as they look to beat a loaded Suns team.

Cam Johnson starting to cook, jabs into a three: pic.twitter.com/1Ah9mZAWAl

— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) December 7, 2023

Injury report

The Nets still have Ben Simmons on the sidelines with his nerve impingement, while Lonnie Walker IV will be out for the entire West Coast road trip with a left hamstring strain. Lastly, Dennis Smith Jr. is day-to-day with his back injury.

On the Suns squad, they will have some notable players out, with Grayson Allen dealing with a groin injury while Nassir Little is out with a concussion. 

Although Durant is listed on the injury report and sat out the last two games, he appears to be in good shape for the upcoming match.

How "EGB" has helped the Brooklyn Nets succeed in recent games