The NBA All-Star break can’t come rapidly sufficient for the Nets, who enter Saturday’s highway matchup in opposition to the Houston Rockets thirteenth within the Jap Convention Standings at 15-33.
Barring any extra trades — that are actually not out of the query — they need to have a more healthy roster over the ultimate 28 video games of the common season. Then common supervisor Sean Marks can flip his consideration to the 2025 NBA Draft — and Jordi Fernandez can give attention to what comes subsequent.
“He’s been great, and obviously it isn’t easy for him, either,” Nic Claxton mentioned of his head coach. “We were, you could say, overachieving at the beginning of the year, then trades happened, things happened, it’s all part of the business. It hasn’t necessarily been easy for any of us, but we’re all figuring it out and figuring it out together.”
Cam Thomas, the Nets’ main scorer at 24.7 factors per sport, hasn’t performed since Nov. 25 due to a left hamstring pressure, however had a follow-up MRI earlier this week that exposed applicable therapeutic. In a latest mass harm replace, the Nets mentioned Thomas will proceed to progress in particular person on-court exercises and is predicted to return shortly after the All-Star break.
“Scans were clean,” Fernandez mentioned of Thomas. ” We’re completely happy that all the things is progressing the appropriate means, and proper now, it’s a matter of time and being affected person and maintain working laborious and he’s doing it.”
The Nets are 8-11 in video games Thomas has appeared on this season. They’re minus-2.7 with him on the court docket and minus-6.2 with him off it.
Noah Clowney, who suffered a left ankle sprain in Monday’s loss to the Sacramento Kings, will stay out by means of the All-Star break.
Cam Johnson, who hasn’t performed since Jan. 21 due to a proper ankle sprain, stays day-to-day. He’s already been dominated out of Saturday’s matchup in opposition to Houston and is predicted to be re-evaluated someday subsequent week. The 28-year-old has averaged a career-high 19.4 factors per sport this season and stays one of many high commerce targets across the league.
The Nets are 14-21 in video games Johnson has appeared on this season. They’re minus–3.1 with him on the court docket and minus-5.0 with him off it.
“He was in practice with his teammates, making sure he knew everything we’re doing,” Fernandez mentioned of Johnson. “He was not part of practice… he’s out [against Houston], and then we’ll see after that.”
Day’Ron Sharpe exited Wednesday’ sport in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets early due to left hamstring tightness however was not listed on Friday’s harm report. Ben Simmons and Trendon Watford each returned from prolonged absences earlier within the week.
“He went through practice, got scanned yesterday,” Fernandez mentioned of Sharpe. “Everything looked good, but we still have to assess the discomfort. He went through it, and now we’ll see how he feels after this.”
