The Nets introduced Friday that main scorer Cam Thomas has a left hamstring pressure and will likely be sidelined for a minimum of three to 4 weeks. He exited Wednesday’s 112-103 win over the Indiana Pacers with 6:25 remaining within the first quarter and didn’t return.
“I don’t expect to be out for long, but we’ll see how it goes,” Thomas stated.
Thomas missed 57 video games in 2024–25, sidelined principally by lingering left hamstring points. Brooklyn entered Friday’s matchup in opposition to the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Heart with a 1-7 document.
“Obviously, I feel for him because he’s done a great job this summer,” Nets head coach Jordi Fernández stated. He regarded nice, his physique regarded nice, and now he received’t be with us on the courtroom. However we’ll do no matter it takes to assist him hold working and get him wholesome.”
Whereas loads of video games will stay by the point Thomas returns, the harm remains to be a irritating setback given what’s at stake. After spending many of the offseason as a restricted free agent, Thomas declined a long-term extension and as a substitute signed a one-year, $6 million qualifying provide, betting that staying wholesome and constructing on his manufacturing may earn him a extra profitable multi-year deal in 2026.
“No one wants to be injured and standing off to the side, but I’m not really worried about it,” Thomas stated. “I’ll be back in no time. I’m not really upset or concerned, it’s just unfortunate.”
The 24-year-old has averaged 21.4 factors, 1.4 rebounds and a couple of.6 assists in eight appearances this season whereas capturing 40.2% from the sphere, 35.6% from the 3-point line 87.5% from the charity stripe.
“We don’t have another Cam Thomas,” Fernández stated. “The constant has to be we have to play hard with purpose. We have to look like a competitive team out there, a selfless team and a connected team. If that happens, we’ll be OK.”
NEXT MAN UP
With Thomas sidelined for a minimum of a month, the scoring highlight now shifts to Michael Porter Jr., who appears to be like greater than able to dealing with it. Getting into Friday’s recreation, the ahead is averaging 22.4 factors on 46.9% capturing from the sphere and 33.9% from deep, together with three 30-point performances in seven begins this season.
“I just want him to get them up and get good shots because they’re going to go in,” Fernández stated. “He’s one of the best shooters in the world, and if you put those things together like focus and intensity on the defensive end, he’ll get more deflections.”
Terance Mann and Tyrese Martin are anticipated to tackle bigger backcourt roles in Thomas’ absence, together with rookie Egor Demin, who’s trying to rediscover his offensive rhythm after a sizzling capturing begin to the season.
“I want him to keep shooting the ball, touching the paint, to either finish or assist,” Fernández stated of Demin, who acquired his first profession begin Friday. “Keep being active on the defensive end, rebound… He’ll keep taking steps, positive steps, in the right direction, and the minutes are the most important thing. Those are the biggest teachers ever.”
POWELL RETURNS
Drake Powell was obtainable Friday after lacking two video games with a proper ankle sprain. Fellow rookies Ben Saraf, Nolan Traoré and Danny Wolf remained on G League task.
“Unfortunately, he rolled his ankle twice, but that’s nothing we can control and I’m excited to see him again,” Fernández stated. “And every time he’s got an opportunity, he’s taken advantage of his minutes, so I believe that he’s going to do it again.”
