Game 82 Preview Vs. Miami Heat
Apr 14, 2010 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Heat
The Nets played the Bobcats pretty tough throughout the night, but they just outclassed them in the end. The Bobcats played their starters that game, however, tonight the Miami Heat may not be doing the same. Ira Winderman has the info:
Based on shootaround, it looks like no Wade, no Jermaine and no Udonis tonight against Nets. Milwaukee seemingly to determine its own fate.
I didn’t like the Nets chances of getting 13 this morning, but after reading that, I am starting to like them more and more. It is going to be interesting how Kiki goes about this rotation tonight. Last game he gave Chris Quinn loads of minutes, will guys like Bobby Simmons and Josh Boone get minutes tonight? Onto the lineups…
Devin Harris vs. Carlos Arroyo
Advantage: Devin Harris
Courtney Lee vs. Dorell Wright
Advantage: Courtney Lee
Terrence Williams vs. Quentin Richardson
Advantage: Quentin Richardson
Yi vs. Michael Beasley
Advantage: Michael Beasley
Brook Lopez vs. Joel Anthony
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Game 80 Preview Vs. Indiana Pacers
Apr 10, 2010 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Pacers
Well, the Nets really took it to a team that needed a win last night, proving me wrong on my prediction for the final 4 games. Let’s see if they can do it again as they take on the Pacers. Both the Nets and the Pacers played a game last night, but the Nets were involved in a 2OT game with the starters (and T-Will) playing loads of minutes (they all logged 40+ last night). With the Pacers playing well and with the Nets’ fatigued this could get ugly as Kiki and the Nets might have to rely on their bench to take this one. The Nets’ bench can’t really do that. Onto the lineups…
Devin Harris vs. Earl Watson
Advantage: Devin Harris
Courtney Lee vs. Brandon Rush
Advantage: Courtney Lee
Jarvis Hayes vs. Danny Granger
Advantage: Danny Granger
Yi vs. Troy Murphy
Advantage: Troy Murphy
Brook Lopez vs. Roy Hibbert
Advantage: Push
Game 79 Preview Vs. Chicago Bulls
Apr 9, 2010 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Bulls
The Nets are coming off a pretty disappointing performance against the Bucks, and I expect that trend to continue tonight against the Bulls. It’s not that the Bulls are much more talented than the Nets (I mean, they had tons of trouble beating a LeBron-less Cavs team), but they are fighting for something. That something is the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Nets on the other hand, don’t really have nothing to play for. While they are playing looser (in my opinion), they aren’t really playing with the same hunger as they were since they won magical #10. Playing looser is good in close games, but unfortunately the Nets haven’t been in any recently. The Bulls are coming off a back-to-back while the Nets are coming off of a day of rest, so that may be a factor. Onto the lineups:
Devin Harris vs. Derrick Rose
Advantage: Devin Harris
Courtney Lee vs. Kirk Hinrich
Advantage: Push
Jarvis Hayes vs. Luol Deng
Advantage: Luol Deng
Yi vs. Taj Gibson
Advantage: Taj Gibson
Brook Lopez vs. Joakim Noah
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Game 70 Preview Vs. Miami Heat
Mar 22, 2010 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Preview, Nets vs. Heat
Last game against the Raptors, the Nets had a pretty good first half, but like they tend to do, they couldn’t hold onto the lead, and the Raptors ended up pulling away late. It comes down to something we have talked about at length here. The Nets just settle for too many jumpers in the second half.
I don’t know what it is to be honest. Maybe it is because teams amp up their defense (though the Raptors are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, so you figure it out). I honestly think that the Nets get so nervous that they just want the game to end when they get the lead. They hold onto the ball at length, there isn’t a lot of passing, and the ball goes up on the outside. The Nets are going to have to play better in the second half if they are going to want to win three more games (and let’s be honest, that is the goal here). Onto the lineups (a quickie):
Devin Harris vs. Carlos Arroyo
Advantage: Devin Harris
Courtney Lee vs. Dwyane Wade
Advantage: Dwyane Wade
Terrence Williams vs. Quentin Richardson
Advantage: Push
Yi vs. Michael Beasley
Advantage: Michael Beasley
Brook Lopez vs. Jermaine O’Neal
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Game 59 Preview Vs. Washington Wizards
Feb 28, 2010 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Wizards
The Nets are coming off their biggest win of the year and now have their first legitimate chance at a winning streak as they take on the Wizards (the Nets also have a chance to put themselves on pace to get the ever important 10th win). The Nets have gotten their last two wins after multiple days rest, but I think this back-to-back is actually beneficial for the Nets. Their game in Boston (and what made them successful) is fresh in their minds, and hopefully they continue to do the things that got them their win in Boston. Onto the lineups:
Devin Harris vs. Randy Foye
Randy Foye has put together a pretty nice season this year, but he is just an average player. Not too quick. Doesn’t have great size. On the other hand, Devin Harris has regained his All-Star form.
Advantage: Devin Harris
Keyon Dooling vs. Mike Miller
My guess is that unless Courtney has a remarkable recovery, he is going to be out for tomorrow. He seemed to roll his ankle pretty bad, and he was unable to put a ton of pressure on it as he was helped off the court. Keyon Dooling is probably going to get the start at the 2. He brings in his shot-making ability and his good decision making. Dooling’s threes yesterday were key in the win.
Advantage: Push
Trenton Hassell vs. Al Thorton
Trenton Hassell gave the Nets some good minutes yesterday, but I am expecting to see CDR get a good chunk of the SF minutes tonight (If Hayes is still out). Not only because he played very well yesterday, but because Hassell has logged a bunch of minutes, so you can expect to see fatigue setting in.
Advantage: Push
Yi vs. Andray Blatche
You might remember Blatche as the man who went off on the Nets in their first meeting. Eduardo Najera isn’t on the Nets anymore, so you can’t expect him to put up the same numbers, but Blatche has been playing well since the trade, so you can expect him to get some things done against Yi, who is still struggling.
Advantage: Andray Blatche
Brook Lopez vs. JaVale McGee
Brook Lopez could be poised for a big game against the Wizards now that Brendon Haywood isn’t on the team anymore. I think Haywood has done the best job on Brook all year, so seeing him in Dallas is pretty refreshing. McGee is a long athletic center, but I don’t think he has the strength to match up with Brook on the inside.
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Game 49 Preview Vs. Boston Celtics: Quick Edition
Feb 5, 2010 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Celtics
Hate to do this to you guys, but I only have enough time to quickly preview tonight’s game @ Boston. Now on paper this looks like it could be a blowout, but I like New Jersey’s chances at keeping it close (at least). The Celtics are starting to show their age a little bit, so if the Nets’ bench can perform well, who knows. With that being said, this could get real messy for Nets fans…so onto the lineups:
Devin Harris vs. Rajon Rondo
Advantage: Rajon Rondo
Courtney Lee vs. Ray Allen
Advantage: Ray Allen
Jarvis Hayes vs. Paul Pierce
Advantage: Paul Pierce
Yi vs. Kevin Garnett
Advantage: Kevin Garnett
Brook Lopez vs. Kendrick Perkins
Advantage: Push
Game 48 Preview Vs. Toronto Raptors
Feb 3, 2010 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Raptors
Before we get to tonight’s game, I did a post on last night’s Nets-Pistons game for my other website NBAPlaybook. You can check it out if you want, but it basically comes down to the Pistons executing and the Nets no executing.
As for tonight, well, tonight is going to be tough. I don’t expect to see the type of blowout that happened the last time the Raptors and the Nets met, but with the Nets coming off a tough home loss last night then hopping on a plane and having to play again today, things could get messy (especially with the Raptors a team that loves to run it up and down the floor). No word on Keyon Dooling yet, but expect to see some Tony Battie, Josh Boone, and more of Chris Quinn tonight as the Nets regulars made need more breathers. Onto the lineups:
Devin Harris vs. Jarrett Jack
For 47 minutes and 45 seconds, Devin Harris looked really good. Those last 15 seconds, not so much. Still we shouldn’t discount the rest of the game for those final few seconds (even though that was a really really bad shot). Devin looked great, he was getting into the lane and either finishing or getting the ball to teammates in position where they can score. What I really liked is that Harris was looking to score when he got into the lane. Sometimes Harris gets into a mode where he is exclusively looking for the foul call and just throws stuff up there while trying to draw contact. The refs haven’t been giving him that call, and it seems like Harris has finally made the adjustment.
Advantage: Push
Courtney Lee vs. Sonny Weems
A lot of CDR fans are pointing to Courtney Lee and saying that he should be the one moving to the bench instead of CDR. Well, a quick stretch in the fourth quarter last night shows why he is on the court. Lee hit a spot up three, and in the next possession, he got a steal, one that lead to another basket for the Nets. Even when Courtney isn’t getting the ball, he is still out there working hard and making things happen, and that is why he is on the court.
Advantage: Push
Jarvis Hayes vs. Hedo Turkoglu
Hayes had another solid game, and at some point during the game, Mike Fratello said of Hayes, “It just looks like it is going to go in every time he shoots it.” Whenever Hayes is in the game, the defense needs to pay attention to him, because he can shoot it. That makes it easier for everyone else. He has his work cut out for him tonight. Turkoglu is a solid player on both ends, and his height can, and probably will, give Hayes problems.
Advantage: Push
Yi vs. Chris Bosh
This is going to be a tough match-up for Yi, and if he starts out cold, I can see Humphries getting a good amount of the minutes, just because he is a guy who will try to body up Bosh on the defensive end. If Humphries can even contain Bosh just a little bit, I think the Nets have a chance tonight.
Advantage: Chris Bosh
Brook Lopez vs. Andrea Bargnani
Bargnani is the type of player who can give Brook some trouble on the offensive end, so if Brook is covering him, he is really going to have to work to close out and get in Bargnani’s face to prevent easy three point shots. Also, the Nets are going to need to go to Brook into the post and force Bargnani to cover him down low. Make him work and he should tire by the end of the game. Also, who knows? The Nets may be able to pick up some fouls on him as well.
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Game 46 Preview Vs. Philadelphia Sixers
Jan 31, 2010 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Sixers
Before we talk about tonight’s game, I want to look at the game Wizard’s game winning play and show you how the Nets defended it. In my opinion, the play was well defended, but better (maybe luckier) offense prevailed:
As Boykins continues to dribble out the clock, Antwan Jaminson comes up and sets a screen for Earl. The reason they are setting the screen is because most teams switch screens late, and the Wizards are trying to get a big to cover the speedy Earl Boykins.
And that is exactly what happens, Kris Humphries is there to cover him. Ben Couch talked to Humphries about the play:
“In that situation, the last thing I wanted to do was get caught in the air and foul,” Humphries said. “I probably should have pushed up a little bit more and tried to get him to go more toward the basket, take a little tougher shot.”
I actually think Humphries did a very good defending Boykins. You don’t want to close out too hard on him, because if he does, he will end up dribbling right around Humphries and get himself an easier shot. Since Humphries is so tall, he basically forced Boykins to shoot over him, which is a good thing. He just made it this time.
As for tonight, the Nets are welcoming All-Star starter Allen Iverson to New Jersey. The Nets have played the Sixers twice during their season-opening losing streak, and lost both by a combined 6 points. Both games were exactly the same, the Nets down two missed a chance at winning/tying the game, then the Sixers made 1 of 2 foul shots, and then the Nets were not able to get a game tying attempt up. Hopefully tonight things will be different. Onto the lineups…
Keyon Dooling vs. Allen Iverson
Iverson has aged quite a bit, but he still shows flashes of his greatness from time to time. If Devin Harris was playing tonight, I would actually be worried he might go off, but I am confident that Dooling (the better defender than Harris) will be able to handle Iverson.
Advantage: Push
Courtney Lee vs. Jrue Holiday
Even though Jrue Holiday starts, he still plays slightly less than 16 minutes per game. In those minutes, he is only averaging 5.4 points per game. He is going to be a very good player, but it is going to take him some time to get adjusted to the league. When Holiday is covering Lee, I expect him to be aggressive and attack the basket. That is something he does very well.
Advantage: Courtney Lee
Chris Douglas-Roberts vs. Andre Iguodala
CDR is starting to get back into a rhythm a little bit. He was attacking the basket a little more, and looking for chances to get a shot up. I have been saying that I would like to see CDR be a little selfish as he tries to work out of this slump.
Advantage: Andre Iguodala
Yi vs. Elton Brand
Kris Humphries had his first bad game as a Net, but that didn’t really hurt the team since Yi was able to play pretty well during the game. I think what Kiki is going to do from here on out is play the hot hand. Whoever is playing well will be out on the court, and last game it was Yi. I did like that Kiki put in Humphries instead of Yi for that last possession.
Advantage: Elton Brand
Brook Lopez vs. Samuel Dalembert
Brook Lopez shouldn’t have any problem with Samuel Dalembert in my opinion. Dalembert is a very good shot blocker, but he doesn’t have the size to keep Brook out of his scoring spots (and that is the only time Brook seems to have trouble). Lopez has the strength to get into Dalembert’s body and negate his jumping ability. That is key when you are dealing with a very good shot blocker.
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Game 44 Preview vs. LA Clippers
Jan 27, 2010 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Clippers
Before we get to the lineups, it was announced today that Brook Lopez was named to the Rookie/Sophmore game. No real surprise there, but he was the only one. Remember when we were talking about the Nets maybe having 4 guys compete in that game?
Some health stuff before we get to the lineups. Devin is out with the wrist we all know that, but Courtney Lee is out with some wisdom tooth trouble and CDR is questionable with a stomach virus. So the Nets are hurting again…now, onto the lineups.
Keyon Dooling vs. Baron Davis
This is another bigger guy that Keyon Dooling seems better than fit than Devin Harris to play against, just like Deron Williams on Saturday. Deron only had 4 points and 8 assists. I think Baron will be able to do a little bit better than that, but it is good to see our “defensive PG” starting today.
Advantage: Baron Davis
Terrence Williams vs. Eric Gordon
Courtney Lee is out, so I expect to see Terrence Williams locking down the starting spot today (though we could see CDR at the 2 and Jarvis at the 3). Terrence has been playing meaningful minutes as of late, and he has been taking advantage of them. I just hope a starting spot doesn’t bring back the Terrence of old.
Advantage: Eric Gordon
Chris Douglas-Roberts vs. Rasual Butler
CDR and Rasul Butler are similar body types but not they do not have the same playing style. Butler is a defensive stopper who is a very effective shooter from the outside. Chris Douglas-Roberts isn’t the best defender in the world, and he doesn’t usually settle for jumpers. He likes to attack the dribble and draw fouls. It is going to be fun to watch these two guys go at it.
Advantage: Push
Yi vs. Marcus Camby
Yi vs. Camby is another interesting clash of styles. Camby is a force on the inside, while Yi likes to float around on the outside and attack the basket. You could be seeing a lot of jumpers from Yi today because Camby probably isn’t going to follow him on the outside unless he starts hitting some jumpers.
Advantage: Push
Brook Lopez vs. Chris Kaman
We didn’t speak about Chris Kaman before the last game because we thought he wasn’t going to play. But Chris Kaman is really good, and he deserves to be an all-star this year. He leads all centers in scoring and what really makes him tough is that he can pull out his defender 15-20 feet and knock down the jumper consistently. You know how Brook hits that jumper every once in a while? Well, when Kaman does it, he knocks it down just about every time. Brook had a good game against the Clippers though, so this is going to be real fun to watch.
Advantage: Push
Game 27 Preview Vs. Toronto Raptors
Dec 18, 2009 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Raptors
Ah Chris Bosh. Take notice guys, this is what a real PF looks like. Is that a bit of a cheap shot on Josh Boone? Sure, but man Chris Bosh is good, and he is the guy I am really pulling for in Free Agency next year. As for this year, the Raptors are not good on defense. Looking at defensive efficiency, the Raptors are the worst in the NBA, giving up 113 points per 100 possession. No other team in the NBA gives up more than 110. For a reference, the Nets defense with Kiki coaching the Nets has been 111. The Raptors have been worse than the Nets defensively. It is a little odd to see, but when you look at their guys, it makes more sense. Andrea Bargnani is a great offensive talent, but I think he is a little soft on the defensive end. Same with Hedo Turkoglu. Onto the matchups!
Devin Harris vs. Jarrett Jack
Jose Calderon is out tonight, leaving Jarrett Jack to be the starter. Jack has been wildly inconsistent, but when he is good, he has been very good. From watching the Raptors, I think their biggest flaw defensively is that they allow for too much dribble penetration, look for a big game for Devin.
Advantage: Devin Harris
Courtney Lee vs. DeMar DeRozen
It is funny, I was against selecting DeMar DeRozen because he was too raw. Turns out Terrence Williams is just as raw, but DeRozen has worked his way into the Raptors’ starting lineup. He is still inconstant, but the flashes are there. Courtney is attacking the ball better and still playing good defense, but the outside shots still aren’t falling. It is so frustrating, because his stroke looks so smooth, but they just don’t go down.
Advantage: Push
CDR vs. Hedo Turkoglu
Don’t know if CDR will be starting, but he is back tonight, and he will be playing with a knee brace. Offensively, you can expect the same CDR, and I see him putting up some big numbers, but on the defensive end he will struggle with the larger Turkoglu, who is solid with his back to the basket.
Advantage: Hedo Turkoglu
Josh Boone vs. Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh would compliment Brook Lopez so well it isn’t even funny. If the Nets don’t take a PF, I really think they should throw a max contract at this guy. He is going to make Josh Boone look silly…
Advantage: Josh Boone
Brook Lopez vs. Andrea Bargnani
I don’t know if some of you guys remember, but when Mark did our season preview on the Raptors, he gave the edge to Brook Lopez, and many Raptors’ fans weren’t happy. I haven’t been watching Bargnani closely, but Brook has been having a hell of year. If Brook does well, he is going to make Mark look like a very smart man…
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Quick Note:
Daily Dime + Me = You should go check it out…