Jan 14, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn Nets
Current Record: (17-24)
Predicted Record: (19-26)
There’s no secret that the future of the Brooklyn Nets organization is in question. The team’s Russian billionaire owner has made it clear that he is looking to sell his majority stake. In addition to the owner seemingly parting ways with the club, a number of the players on the roster are also a part of swirling trade rumors. Some of the Nets’ biggest and most marketable stars could very well be dawning new jerseys as early as this week.
Swarm and Sting
With that said, the Nets face a relatively easy schedule, at least in comparison to the competition some of their division rivals are in for in the coming days. Brooklyn starts their week with a journey out west to take on the Sacramento Kings. Recently, there has been rumored talks between the two clubs in regards to the services of Nets’ PG Deron Williams. Williams is currently out for an undetermined length of time due to a rib injury however, so he won’t be on the court against his potential suitor. Even without Williams running the show, the Nets do still have several pieces that should help them past Demarcus Cousins and the Kings.
The following game for the Nets comes against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, also on the road. There is little question who the better team is on paper, despite the Clippers’ inability to rise to the top of the west so far this year. The Nets have had incomparable struggles offensively this season and they’ll be outclassed by a Clipper team who ranks second in the league in offensive rating.
The road trip will end against the Utah Jazz in a game that gives a favorable match up advantage to the Nets. While this may be the last road game of the week for the team, they’ll also play one home game to round out the week’s action against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers have been among the NBA elite this season and, as a result, this game should swing in favor of them.
Player to Watch: While Deron Williams’ name is on the perceived trading block, his inactivity for the foreseeable future hinders his trade value. The longest tenured Net on the active roster, Brook Lopez, and star SG Joe Johnson both will be on the floor as players also being discussed in possible deals. Their play over the coming days leading to the deadline could very well dictate their marketability with other teams.
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