Are either of Brooklyn’s Cams playing tonight? Nets-Celtics injury updates

Nov 8, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) warms up prior to the game against the LA Clippers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) warms up prior to the game against the LA Clippers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets will travel to Boston to face the Celtics tonight in the second of Brooklyn’s four in-season tournament pool play games. The Nets beat the Bulls last week in Chicago, and if they find a way to upset Boston tonight, they will be the favorites to win East Group C and move on to the knockout stage in Las Vegas.

Unfortunately for the Nets, they have many injury problems.

Will either Cam play tonight?

We know one Cam, Cam Thomas, the Nets leading scorer, will not play tonight. Thomas sprained his left ankle in Wednesday’s upset win over James Harden and the Clippers and will miss at least two weeks. The Nets announced Thursday that Thomas will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

As for Cam Johnson, who signed a four-year, $108 million contract extension this past summer, there seems to be good news.

For the first time since the season opener, Johnson will play tonight. That is huge news, as Brooklyn gets a key starter and an elite three and D player back in the fold. Johnson’s defense prowess will help, as Brooklyn needs to lock down Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown.

Will Nic Claxton play today?

No, unfortunately, for Brooklyn, their starting center is out tonight. Claxton, who has been out with a sprained ankle since opening night, is progressing in his rehab journey. The Nets recently sent their center to practice with their G-League team, the Long Island Nets.

Will Boston have all their players available?

No, two of Boston’s big men, Al Horford and Neemias Queta, will miss today’s game. Queta will miss today due to injury, while Horford is missing today’s game due to ‘injury management”, which means he’s resting. Boston plays tomorrow in Toronto, and Horford did not play in both ends of back-to-backs last season.

Other Brooklyn Nets News

Nets first-round pick Dariq Whitehead, who had foot surgery last spring, is available tonight for the Long Island Nets. This is the first professional action Whitehead has been available.