Under Jordi Fernandez’s coaching tenure, the Brooklyn Nets are displaying resilience, even if it hasn’t always led to victories. This fighting spirit was evident in both of Brooklyn’s wins this week. The Nets aim for their third win of the season on Friday night when they host the Chicago Bulls, who are coming off two impressive comebacks.
Fernandez’s start saw the Nets outscored by a combined 19 points in last week’s road losses to the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic, hampered by fouls and turnovers. Since then, the Nets have achieved 13-point wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies, along with a five-point overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets, where they squandered a 17-point lead.
Veteran Dennis Schroder has played a key role in the last two wins. After scoring all 29 points post-first quarter against Milwaukee on Sunday, he led the Nets with 33 points in Wednesday’s 119-106 victory at Memphis. Schroder is not the only player off to a productive start; Cam Thomas added 19 points after scoring at least 24 in his first four games, averaging 27.4 points so far.
The Bulls are seeking their third consecutive win and third road victory after back-to-back three-point triumphs over the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic, which featured comebacks from 20-point deficits. Following Monday’s 126-123 win, they rallied from a 20-point deficit for a 102-99 victory over the Magic.
Despite trailing by 10 at halftime, the Bulls outscored the Magic 50-37 in the second half, winning despite shooting just 38.5% after halftime and 42.9% overall. They allowed only 31% shooting in the second half and 40.7% for the game.
Even with their stout defense against the Southeast Division favorites, the Bulls face an injury concern for Zach LaVine. Limited to 11 points in 36 minutes, X-rays revealed a sprained shoulder that may sideline him for Friday’s game. He is listed as questionable. Lonzo Ball will miss his second straight game with a sprained wrist sustained on Monday, with re-evaluation next week.
If LaVine is out, the Bulls hope Coby White continues his productive start. White led the Bulls with 21 points against Orlando and has scored 76 points across the three wins, averaging 19 points.
Brooklyn swept last season’s three-game series with the Bulls, hitting 18 three-pointers in the second half of their 125-108 win in Brooklyn on March 29 and shooting 47.9% from three-point range against the Bulls last season.
