The Nets have completed over a quarter of their season.
During the initial six weeks, they’ve faced off against teams like the Wizards (3-18), Pacers (4-18), and the struggling Hornets (6-16) in two matchups.
Recently, the Nets experienced a 13-point defeat at home against the Jazz (8-13) on Thursday. They’ve been underdogs in every game this season, standing at 5-17.
This upcoming Saturday, they’ll need to navigate an important challenge against the Pelicans (3-20), who also seem to be struggling.
“I think our players care quite a bit,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez remarked after the Utah game. “They’ll come back and try to stay focused. It’s tough with both physical and mental weariness. Still, I commend their effort. They really do their best.”
In contrast to the Nets’ missteps, the Pelicans have also faced their share of issues, including a questionable trade that cost them a first-round pick for rookie D’Eriq Queen. Injuries and management errors have derailed their season.
As they come to Brooklyn, New Orleans will be missing its star, Zion Williamson (adductor), and possibly Jordan Poole (quad) and Herb Jones (calf).
The Nets are missing their second leading scorer, Cam Thomas (hamstring), yet they’ll be sitting their top scorer, Michael Porter Jr. (back strain), who has missed three of the last five games.
Interestingly, Porter isn’t listed on the injury report. “He didn’t look right last game,” Fernandez noted prior to resting him for injury management. “It had to do with his muscles.”
The Nets are attempting a tank strategy for a second consecutive season, but they have a young roster eager to prove themselves, which could disrupt such plans.
After a rough start, winning just one out of their first 12 games, they’ve turned it around with a 4-6 record since, claiming two wins in their last three outings.
Noah Clowney, in his third year, has been performing well, averaging over 20 points in his past seven games. Additionally, rookie Danny Wolf has made an impression since getting more playing time, posting 17 points, nine rebounds, and three assists against the Jazz.
Former lottery pick Ziare Williams also contributed off the bench with a solid 23 points.
Even Nic Claxton, noted for being a consistent performer, is stepping up. The team’s leading rebounder and shot blocker is also averaging a career-high 13.5 points and has improved as a facilitator, reaching 6.3 assists in his last three games.
Fernandez commented on Claxton, stating, “I trust him. He’s making smart plays for his teammates. Sometimes he needs to be aggressive, and he’s finding ways to help them.”
“That’s why I give him some freedom as a pick-and-roll handler,” he continued, emphasizing Claxton’s new role in enhancing team dynamics.
