The Brooklyn Nets have been thriving under the emergence of Cam Thomas on offense. So far, they’ve been able to crack the top eight in the Eastern Conference with a record of 5-5. The Nets are doing far better than most fans and experts would’ve expected. They’ve proven that not every team requires to have an All-Star to back them up. Brooklyn may potentially be featured in this season’s playoffs.
11 of 82.
In-Season Tournament Group Play.
📺 @YESNetwork
📻 @WFAN660 pic.twitter.com/Bb6nTG9lUM— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 14, 2023
Their opponents for the night will be the Orlando Magic, who are seated just above the Nets as the seventh seed. Unlike last season, they have secured five early wins. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have been putting in a lot of effort together. Both players were standouts for their respective countries, however, Wagner ultimately helped Germany win the 2023 FIBA World Cup. This matchup will be taking place at the Barclays Center.
Cam Thomas is ruled out for the Nets vs. Magic In-Season Tournament Game
Cam Thomas had an incredible fiery start to the regular season averaging 26.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Before his injury, Cam had an exceptional 45-point performance against the Milwaukee Bucks. Unfortunately, he tweaked his ankle in the following game which has sidelined him for at least two weeks. Ben Simmons will remain out due to a hip injury. Lonnie Walker IV is questionable against the Magic following a left knee contusion.
The Magic’s injury report has a few key pieces of the roster sidelined for the game. Markelle Fultz will miss the game due to a knee injury. Gary Harris suffered from a groin injury that will have him sidelined for a while before making a return. A return date hasn’t been announced for both players yet but the Magic hopes that they will recover soon. Wendell Carter Jr. remains out after undergoing surgery to fix a fractured third metacarpal. Kevon Harris will not play either.
Markelle Fultz makes a tough layup at that rim pic.twitter.com/HWeL1cxDVB
— WeltGawd (@WeltGawd) November 10, 2023
Brooklyn Nets Injury Report:
- Cam Thomas (Out)
- Ben Simmons (Out)
- Lonnie Walker IV (Questionable)
Brooklyn Nets Expected Lineup:
- Dennis Smith Jr.
- Spencer Dinwiddie
- Mikal Bridges
- Cameron Johnson
- Nic Claxton
Orlando Magic Injury Report:
- Gary Harris (Out)
- Markelle Fultz (Out)
- Wendell Carter Jr. (Out)
- Kevon Harris (Out)
Orlando Magic Expected Lineup:
- Cole Anthony
- Jalen Suggs
- Franz Wagner
- Paolo Banchero
- Isaac Jonathan
Will the Magic be able to defeat the Nets in Cam Thomas’ absence?
Orlando has all of their main pieces in great shape for the Nets game. The absence of Fultz and Gary may not affect them as much. The most important piece of their roster is Paolo Banchero, who averages 18.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Paolo has also played exceptionally well on defense. Franz Wagner’s presence will be pivotal on defense and Cole Anthony’s scoring will elevate them from the bench.
🏀 SATURDAY’S FINAL SCORES 🏀
Paolo Banchero leads the way as the Magic get the W and start the season 5-4!
Franz Wagner: 24 PTS, 6 REB
Mo Wagner: 19 PTS (7/9 FGM), 4 REB
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 35 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST, 4 STL pic.twitter.com/pbOqYdTbTb— NBA (@NBA) November 12, 2023
Unlike the Magic, Brooklyn is missing out on their offensive juggernaut, Cam Thomas. However, Mikal Bridges is more than capable of replacing Thomas’ spot in terms of scoring. We’ve seen him score consistently during his tenure with the Phoenix Suns. Spencer Dinwiddie and Cameron Johnson have to step up from deep as well. On paper, the Nets are the stronger team.