Nets Without Cam Thomas for Upcoming Game
The Nets will be missing Cam Thomas for their game against the Pistons on Friday. It’s uncertain, though, how many more games he might be sidelined.
Thomas missed Wednesday’s first win of the season due to a strained left hamstring. Unfortunately, the team hasn’t shared any updates on his condition or when he might return.
“We hope to have him back soon,” said coach Jordi Fernandes. “But if not, we’ll manage. His health is the priority. We’ll adjust and rely on the next player if needed.”
This hamstring issue is the same one that affected Thomas last season, leading to three injuries and only allowing him to participate in 25 games. Despite this, Fernandez expressed confidence and claimed he isn’t overly worried about a repeat injury.
“Unless you’re a doctor or have seen a movie about it, you can’t really say if it’s the same injury,” he commented. “There’s a lot to consider. It’s just challenging. He’s been working incredibly hard.”
In Thomas’ absence, Michael Porter Jr. stepped up, scoring 32 points against Indiana. “We definitely have to be more aggressive,” he remarked. “We don’t have that same late-clock option that Cam provided.”
Terrence Mann has taken on the role of starting point guard, following Ben Saraf and Tyrese Martin this season. He played out of position on Wednesday, finishing with 15 points and six assists while carrying a plus-15 rating.
Currently, Mann is believed to be dealing with some left shoulder pain, which might affect him on Friday.
Rookie Drake Powell has been upgraded to questionable as he comes back from a sprained right ankle. He has played only two games this season but was injured in both.
Meanwhile, Saraf, Nolan Traore, and Danny Wolfe are all playing in the G League. Fernandez shared updates on how the team plans to manage the rookies’ time between Brooklyn and Long Island.
“Now they have the chance for actual practices and games. With 60-plus NBA games and a full season to work with them, that’s a definite plus,” he explained. “It’s all part of the process.”
Center Nick Claxton has averaged 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and six assists since Sunday, also achieving a $18 increase in value over the past three games. He leads the team in assists with an average of 3.8.
“It’s like going back to my roots,” Claxton said. “I’ve always been a point guard, so I’m pretty comfortable handling the ball. The coaching staff has shown a lot of faith in me this year.”
