Brooklyn continued its more than satisfactory start to the season by snatching victory on the Kings floor. But the Nets are also paying the price for their injuries. While the entire squad is potentially transferable, it is also very much in the infirmary, while Jordi Fernandez's team continues next night at Golden State. Up to eight players could be missing against the Warriors.
In Sacramento, the New York franchise had already had to do without Bojan Bogdanovicwho still hasn't played all season, Day’Ron Sharpe (hamstring), Dorian Finney Smith And Dennis Schröderalso injured in the ankle Friday against the Sixers. The German leader, author of a very good first quarter of the season, still hopes to be able to suit up at the Chase Center.
“ I don't know yet, but it's painful, clearly » he mentioned at the New York Post. “ But I'll try, that's for sure. I'll see what happens on Monday during the shoot. And then I will make my decision. »
Ben Simmons still can't continue, Nic Claxton in management
Without Dennis Schröder, it's Ben Simmons who started at point guard against the Kings. But he still only plays half of the “back-to-backs” and will therefore not be lined up against Golden State. The options would then be reduced to Shake Milton or Keon Johnson, in addition to the holder Cam Thomas as the only “guards” capable of serving.
Another Nets executive, Dorian Finney Smith he was hit in the ankle, and harder. “ He's almost the kind of guy you have to say, 'Hey, I told you you wouldn't play,' because otherwise he'll play no matter what the injury is. » explained Jordi Fernandez, who will do without “DFS” for this back-to-back before reassessing the state of health of the former Maverick.
The ankle, definitely the Achilles heel of these Nets recently, since Noah Clowney also suffered a sprain six minutes from the end of the game in Sacramento. Author of a good performance (18 points at 5/8 at 3-points), he had to be helped by his teammates to go out, but also in the locker room after the match. The interior is uncertain against the Warriors. This, while Nick Claxton is just back in the squad and has explained in recent days that the back injury he has been dealing with in recent weeks would be a long term problem and would need to be managed throughout the season.
That's a lot, as Brooklyn finishes its series of away games this Monday at Golden State, then Wednesday at Phoenix. The only small consolation is that the Nets will be able to remember that their first clashes against the Western teams went well since the start of the season: four victories for a single defeat.
