The Brooklyn Nets are gearing up for their second New York Knicks matchup of the 2024-25 season. After losing their first NBA Cup contest to New York, the Nets are on a mission for redemption. Brooklyn has battled some injury woes in November, but an encouraging update on third-year forward Trendon Watford has come to light.
Watford has not made his 2024-25 season debut due to a left hamstring ailment. In late October, Jordi Fernandez said Watford was "doing great" and that "everything is going as planned." It seems Fernandez's update continued on a positive path. Watford has been removed from the injury list and is cleared to play in Sunday's Knicks game, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.
This is great news for the Nets. Brooklyn will be without Nic Claxton for at least a week as he recovers from his lower back strain. Trendon Watford's size should help the Nets' interior presence in Claxton's absence. Moreover, Watford's offensive prowess will help make things easier for the team.
Watford had a productive year with Brooklyn during the 2023-24 season. In 63 games, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and shot a career-high 39.7 percent on his three-pointers. His floor-spacing and overall scoring ability will open things up for the Nets' offense.
Nets prepare to bounce back against dangerous Knicks
Brooklyn was quite literally all over the place in their first matchup against the Knicks on Friday. They were down by double-digits early-on but somehow found a spark that helped them take the lead and almost win the game down the stretch. Cam Thomas was a huge part of that spark.
The third-year guard scored a season-high 43 points on a blazing 70 percent (7-for-10) three-point shooting clip. New York will do all it can to contain Thomas, but he will try to get things going early and find his rhythm.
On the other hand, the Nets must do a better job containing the Knicks' forwards. Mikal Bridges scored 22 points and delivered a game-winning block on Dennis Schroder, while OG Anunoby poured in 25 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.
Although he is not known as a lockdown defender, having Trendon Watford back in the lineup might help Brooklyn put up more resistance against New York's wings. Furthermore, Ben Simmons looks to stay steady after amassing four points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one steal. If Simmons can kick things up a notch, Brooklyn might gain the upper hand on the inside and defensively.
Can the Nets bounce back and get their first win of their year against the crosstown rival?