Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Spectrum Center
Watch: YES Network, Fox Sports Go
Listen: WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM
The Brooklyn Nets are looking to snap a 9-game losing streak, which coincidentally started after snapping an 11-game losing streak in New Orleans. The last time the Nets picked up a win on the road against an Eastern Conference team was January 2nd, 2016 against the Boston Celtics — yikes. Of course, the Nets will look to rebound from a home loss to the Toronto Raptors, despite being without Demar DeRozan, as Kyle Lowery finished with his first triple-double of the season — 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
The Nets were playing without Caris LeVert (knee soreness) and will also miss out on tonight’s game as well. Brook Lopez and his 20 points and 7 rebounds led the way, while Trevor Booker, still coming off the bench, added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Brooklyn can play spoiler as the Hornets sit on the edge of the playoff picture, currently sitting in the 9th seed, just a half game back of the Detroit Pistons. Containing Kemba Walker will be key for the Nets as the All-Star guard has averaged 22.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists so far this season. Walker, a Bronx product, will be guarded primarily by Isaiah Whitehead in a league-wide highlight of the talent coming from New York City.
1. Booker’s move to the bench
Since being taken out of the starting lineup on February 1st against the New York Knicks, the aforementioned Booker has been able to produce solid minutes and offers some much-needed energy to the second unit. Booker has averaged 11.7 points and 8.3 rebounds since his return to the bench, which is marginally better than his numbers as a starter this year.
2. Update on Lin
The last time Jeremy Lin played for the Nets was against the Charlotte Hornets — remember Randy Foye’s game-winner? — however, once again the point guard will be sitting out tonight. Lin has been participating in pre-game warmups and, in particular, various shooting exercises. Lin’s return will most likely be held off until after the All-Star Break.
3. Nets vs Hornets history
This game tonight will be the 101st game played between these two franchises. The Nets currently are winning the all-time series with 53 wins to Hornets’ 47. Since rebranding back to the Charlotte Hornets, however, the Hornets have won 7 of the 10 match-ups between the two squads. These teams have met only once in the playoffs, back in 2002
Then, then New Jersey Nets, led by Jason Kidd, defeated the Charlotte Hornets 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
