The Brooklyn Nets have an important cross-conference matchup against the Golden State Warriors on their hands. Monday night's game will be Brooklyn's second night of a back-to-back following their 108-103 win over the Sacramento Kings. The Nets have had significant injury challenges, and the trend continues for their Warriors matchup, with Ben Simmons leading the list.
Simmons is expected to miss certain games, especially back-to-backs, due to his ongoing lower back injury maintenance. Thus, he is listed as out for Monday's game, per the NBA's official injury report.
Furthermore, Noah Clowney (left ankle sprain) and Dorian Finney Smith (left ankle sprain) are also ruled out. Dennis Schroder is battling right ankle soreness and is questionable, while Nic Claxton is doubtful to play due to lower back soreness.
Hopefully, all of Brooklyn players' affected by injuries will undergo speedy recoveries.
Ben Simmons had a bit of a quiet outing against the Kings except for a ferocious put-back dunk in the fourth quarter. He had earned a spot as one of the Nets' starting guards and finished the game with four points, five assists, and three rebounds.
Dorian Finney-Smith and Dennis Schroder's statuses against the Warriors come as no surprise, given they missed Sunday's Sacramento game. Nic Claxton played against the Kings but did not seem like his normal self, totaling four points and seven rebounds.
The Nets are facing one of the most potent offenses in the league without some of their top contributors, but they have what it takes to get an upset win.
Nets must contain 1 player for victory over Warriors
One player the Nets likely focused on in their scouting reports was star veteran guard Stephen Curry. Curry is a major threat from beyond the arc. However, his playmaking and off-ball movement make him dangerous as well. Through 13 games, Curry averages 22.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game on 43.7 three-point shooting clip.
Curry comes off an uncharacteristic 14-point outing from Golden State's 104-94 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He will be biting at the chomp for a redemptive performance against the Nets. If Dennis Schroder is not able to suit up, Brooklyn will have a hard time combating Curry.
The Nets could throw different wing defenders at Curry to slow him down. Ziaire Williams has taken on similar matchups before and will be key to the Nets containing the future Hall of Fame guard.
Brooklyn looks to play hard in spite of injuries and steal a road win.