The Brooklyn Nets are coming off a 109-97 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Tonight, on the second night of a back-to-back, they travel to New Orleans to play the Pelicans. The Nets will have to contain New Orleans’ superstar frontcourt to come out with a win.
The Brooklyn Nets were outscored in every quarter on route to a loss last night to the San Antonio Spurs. San Antonio shot a robust 51 percent from the floor and 44 percent from three. Brooklyn shot just 42 percent from the field, and converted on 12 of 32 from the perimeter.
There were a few bright spots for the Nets. Caris Levert continued his increased level of production with 18 points and five assists. Over his last ten, the second year guard is averaging 14.2 points, 4.6 assists, 3 rebounds, and over a steal per game.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has been great and much improved all season. Over his last ten games he’s averaging 16 points, seven and a half boards, and over two assists. Rookie Jarrett Allen posted a career high nine rebound and double digit points as well last night.
The Nets rebounding and presence down low will be tested against New Orleans’ dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Respectively, the two big men are average 25/10/2.5 and 26/12/5. Both average over a steal and block per game, and are also shooting 35 percent from three point range.
MUST READ: Nets Officially Reveal Nike City Edition Jerseys
Needless to say that they will need to be stopped if the Nets have any chance of winning the game tonight. The Pelicans are coming off two straight wins in Florida, but have been inconsistent all season. They haven’t had a win streak longer than three, and have lost about as much as they’ve won.
Looking at their games this season reveal that their bigs handle the ball a lot more than they probably should. It shows, with Cousins averaging five assists per contest, but also a career and league-high 5.1 turnovers.
If Brooklyn can attack at the top of the key with their length (Levert, Hollis-Jefferson, and Allen) they should be able to force turnovers and reap the benefits in transition.
The player to watch for New Orleans is Jrue Holiday who is averaging 18 points and five assists on the season, and can take the pressure off the Davis/Cousins combo. Holiday can take over a game in his own right and needs to be contained by Brooklyn’s guards.
Next: What can Jahlil Okafor do when he comes back?
Prediction: The Nets are able to frustrate the Pelicans’ backcourt, and improve their three point efficiency. New Orleans’ lack of wing talent allows Brooklyn to shine on route to a 107-103 win in the Big Easy.