The Brooklyn Nets are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Both teams have been struggling lately and are eager to break their losing streaks.
Brooklyn Nets Preview
The Nets (13-26) are coming off a narrow 112-111 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz on Sunday. Brooklyn has lost five consecutive games, but their performance against the Jazz showed improvement from previous double-digit losses.
Key players for the Nets include:
- Tosan Evbuomwan: Impressing with a career-high 22 points in the recent game against Utah.
- Ben Simmons: Delivering one of his better all-around performances this season with 14 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.
Injuries are plaguing Brooklyn, with Cam Thomas (hamstring) out, and Cameron Johnson (ankle) and D’Angelo Russell (shin) listed as questionable for the game.
Portland Trail Blazers Preview
The Trail Blazers (13-25) have lost two straight games, most recently suffering a 119-98 defeat to the Miami Heat on Saturday. Portland is dealing with several key injuries, particularly among their big men.
Key players for the Trail Blazers include:
- Anfernee Simons: Scoring 28 points in the loss to Miami.
- Shaedon Sharpe: Adding 22 points in the same game.
Portland’s injury concerns are significant. Starting center Deandre Ayton missed the Heat game due to left calf soreness, and his backup, Robert Williams III, sat out with an illness. Forward Jerami Grant is set to miss his eighth straight game with a facial contusion.
Key Matchup
The key matchup to watch will be between Anfernee Simon and Tosan Evbuomwan. Their contributions will be crucial in this game with both teams facing injury woes. Additionally, Ben Simmons’s ability to control the game and facilitate will be vital for Brooklyn.
