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Will 2 starters return tonight for Brooklyn? Nets at Hornets injury updates

By Zak Musso

Oct 25, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Brooklyn Nets will look to record their first win tonight in Charlotte as they battle the 1-1 Hornets. Charlotte has played two games so far this season: a win over Atlanta and a loss to Detriot.

Brooklyn has lost two heartbreakers, the most recent thanks to an insane Luka Doncic game-winning shot.

Terry Rozier has gotten off to a hot start, averaging 22 points a game, while LaMelo Ball is averaging 17.5 points, 9.5 assists, and 7.5 rebounds. Five Hornets, rookie Brandon Miller, forward Gordan Hayward, P.J. Washington, Ball, and Rozier are all averaging 14.5 or more points to start the season.

It will be a tall task for Brooklyn tonight.

Will Cam Johnson play tonight?

The Nets re-signed ascending forward Cam Johnson this summer to a four-year, $94 million contract, hoping Johnson and his ex-Phoenix teammate Mikal Bridges could help turn around the Brooklyn franchise. Those hopes still remain, but Brooklyn fans have seen very little of Johnson this fall.

The forward injured has been banged up since camp this summer and, despite playing opening night, has not been 100 percent. Johnson missed Brooklyn’s game in Dallas and will miss tonight’s game as well with a left calf contusion. Cam Thomas will likely be inserted into the starting lineup in his place.

Will Nic Claxton play tonight?

The Nets won’t just be missing Johnson from their starting lineup. Brooklyn will also be missing their starting center, Nic Claxton. Claxton sprained his ankle in Brooklyn’s season opener against Cleveland on this play.

The timetable for Claxton’s return is uncertain. Jacquez Vaughn played small ball to start Friday’s loss in Dallas, with Dorian Finney-Smith at the five in the absence of Claxton. Charlotte starts Mark Williams, a 7’0″, 240-pounder at center, so Vaughn may opt to start a traditional center, Day’Ron Sharpe, over Finney-Smith tonight.

According to FanDuel, the Nets are one-point underdogs tonight. The Nets will need more Cam Thomas magic tonight to pick up their first victory of the season.

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