The Brooklyn Nets (10-21) travel to the Capital One Arena to play Washington Wizards (8-24) for the second time this season, 7PM ET. Brooklyn dominated the previous encounter in November, winning by a margin of 23 points.
However Brooklyn face challenging circumstances tonight. Their core group of scorers are missing tonight (Cam Thomas, Michael Porter Jr, & Nic Claxton). This takes away 60 points per game from the Brooklyn lineup.
However this might be less of an issue against an ageing Washington side that lacks dynamism in their starting lineup. Brooklyn are a young group, with lots of energy and good defensive organisation. In the last 10 games, Brooklyn rank 2nd for defensive rating (108.7) and despite being in the bottom third for scoring they went 5-5. Egor Demin & Danny Wolf will have to step up in their scoring to give Brooklyn a chance. But it will be an uphill task without their key men.
The Washington Wizards are trending upwards in recent weeks. On Wednesday evening, Washington beat Milwaukee 114-113, Alex Sarr leading the way with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. With No Claxton tonight, Sarr will fancy his chances of having a big scoring night and asserting dominance in the paint.
Washington also have the veteran duo of CJ McCollum & Khris Middleton that remain scoring threats, but lack the dynamism to make an impact against the younger, more athletic teams in the league such as a Houston. The most important question tonight will be the level of application from Washington. They have only won back to back games once this season (December 26th vs Toronto, & December 28th vs Memphis).
Betting Markets:
- Brooklyn Nets ML (+130)/Washington Wizards ML (-167)
- Brooklyn Nets +3.5 pts (-110)/Washington Wizards -3.5 pts (-110)
- Over 224.5 pts (-110)/Under 224.5 pts (-110)
Our Prediction:
It is very difficult to ignore the value on the Washington spread, given the players that Brooklyn are missing.
I am backing Sarr to have a big night exposing the lack of experience in the centre position for Brooklyn tonight.
Recent Form:
Injury Report:
Brooklyn Nets: Haywood Highsmith (Out), Cam Thomas (Out), Michael Porter Jr (Out), Nic Claxton (Out), Terence Mann (Probable)
Washington Wizards: Cam Whitmore (Out), Kyshawn George (Out), Corey Kispert (Out)