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…
Game 25 Preview Vs. Cleveland Cavs
Dec 15, 2009 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Cavs
We get LeBron tonight, and this could get real ugly early. The Nets could also keep up with the Cavs though if they do the things I have pointed out in our opponent scout. You have to run on them, and the Nets need to run their pick and roll successfully (which has been difficult so far this year). Not just Devin and Brook at the high post either. You can have Brook set the screens at the high post, and use Courtney Lee and CDR to come off of them. Both have been shooting well, and Shaq usually doesn’t get over and help in time, so that will lead to open shots. If Shaq does come up and try do defend the shot, both of these guys have the handle to get around him. Onto the match-ups!
Devin Harris vs. Mo Williams
The Cavs use Mo Williams as the 2 guard when LeBron is in the game, because LeBron usually has the ball in his hands. This is tough for defenders, because if they focus too much on LeBron, Williams will spot up and hit the open three. Devin Harris has the quicks to get by Williams, so hopefully he can get in the lane and cause havoc.
Advantage: Push
Courtney Lee vs. Anthony Parker
Anthony Parker is a knock-down shooter who can play some defense. I think he is a perfect fit in this offense, because he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. With LeBron handling the ball, he gets ton of open looks. I think Parker and Lee are comparable, but Parker will have the better game tonight.
Advantage: Anthony Parker
CDR vs. LeBron James
Not sure if CDR is playing, but what he has been telling the media makes me think that he wants to (and will) play tonight. This is a tough match-up for anyone, especially the smaller CDR. CDR’s best bet is to give him the shot and prevent the drive. LeBron can hit the 3-ball, but I’d rather give him those instead of letting him get to the lane accumulate fouls and finish with big dunks.
Advantage: LeBron James
Josh Boone vs. J.J. Hickson
The Cavs have moved Anderson Varejao to the bench and implemented J.J. Hickson to the starting lineup. This move makes sense, Hickson is more offensive minded and more athletic, and that fits what the Cavs try to do to start games. Josh Boone is…well…Josh Boone…
Advantage: J.J. Hickson
Brook Lopez vs. Shaq
Going back to my opponent scout, you can get position on Shaq. He tends to get lazy when the action is happening away from him, and when he does, you can get into him with a quick and hard post up. The problem is the Nets are going to have to recognize this to get the ball to Brook. I can see getting two good posts in, not getting the ball on either one, and then starting to float. That being said, he will still put up his numbers.
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Oh and on a non-basketball related note…Cliff Lee to the Mariners? Awesome!
Game 21 Preview Vs. Chicago Bulls
Dec 8, 2009 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Bulls
The Bulls have been pretty bad as of late. Real bad, not only are they 7-11, but they have lost 7 of their last 8. Besides their win, they have had only two games end in single digits. Their man problem, their defense. They can’t seem to stop anyone, allowing over 100 points in 6 of their last 8.
This could be the cure that the Nets need offensively, but if they start playing well against Chicago’s man-to-man defense, expect to see some zone. Match-up time!
Devin Harris vs. Derrick Rose:
I am calling this one a push. If Devin was clicking on all cylinders, he’d be getting the slight edge here. Still this is going to be a real fun one to watch. Harris is in the top 30 of Free-Throw Rate, and that is the only reason fans aren’t calling for his head. Harris has had some poor shooting games, but in those games, he gets to the line a ton and still gets his points.
Advantage: Push
Courtney Lee vs. John Salmons
John Salmons is a tough guy to stop offensively when he gets it going. He can hit the deep shot, and he can get into the lane. As for Courtney Lee, he needs to be much more aggressive. After his career high night, he only took 5 shots, that can’t happen.
Advantage: John Salmons
Chris Douglas-Roberts vs. Luol Deng
Like CDR, Luol Deng is a long player. He doesn’t shoot the three-ball well, but when he is right, he can knock down almost anything a step in from the foul line. CDR seemed to get it going again against the Knicks, but he is going to have to recognize the zone better. As I pointed out earlier, he thought they were still in man that first time out. Other than that little point, he has been great.
Advantage: Chris Douglas-Roberts
Josh Boone vs. Taj Gibson
Remember when James Johnson was high on the Nets’ list? Well, we can be glad that the Nets didn’t take him. With Tyrus Thomas out, Taj Gibson is the rookie replacing him, not James Johnson, that tells you something about him.
Advantage: Taj Gibson
Brook Lopez vs. Joakim Noah
Brook didn’t get a ton of touches inside last game, and that was depressing. You know that Kiki and Del are going to try to get him going early tonight. Noah is a great player having a great season, I just think that Lopez’s size will give Noah problems.
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Game 20 Preview Vs. New York Knicks
Dec 6, 2009 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Knicks
Before we talk about today’s game, I just wanted to point a few things out about the Nets’ first win. Up until Friday, Brook Lopez was averaging 14.8 shots per game. Against the Bobcats, Brook got 22 shots. One was from 17 feet, one was from 11, and the rest were inside the paint. As I noted on Thursday, co-coach Del Harris has been blessed with terrific centers throughout his coaching career, and he knows how to get them shots in the paint, and in bulk. Looks like that is exactly what he has planned for Brook. Also, how about Courtney Lee huh? He is still doing all of the little things (4 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block), but he finally coupled it with a good shooting night. When he can do that, he will have a big-time impact on the game (this sure sounds familiar). Granted, it is only one game, but I think we can expect more games like these in the future.
To today’s game. Last time the Nets played the Knicks, they kind of had what looked to be a good offensive game. The problem though is that they played right into the Knicks’ hands. They took a lot of quick shots, took too many threes, and they got into a track-meet with the Knicks. That is the only way that team can win. Also, the Nets rotated poorly and gave up a good amount of wide-open threes. Onto the match-ups:
Devin Harris vs. Chris Duhon
What I really like about Devin Harris’ game is that despite poor shooting performances that happen from time to time, he still can score, because he just knows how to get into the lane and draw contact. Sure he was only 2-14, but he got to the line 13 times, hitting on 11 of those attempts. Oh and he put up 8 assists with only 1 turnover. Today should be no different, Harris is much quicker than Duhon, so you can expect to get him into the lane with ease.
Advantage: Devin Harris
Courtney Lee vs. Wilson Chandler
Courtney Lee looks to be 100% now, but he is going to have his hands full with Chandler. Chandler has great the size of a forward and the skills of a guard. It is going to be interesting to see if Lee can use his quickness to his advantage to get around Chandler so he can attack the basket.
Advantage: Push
Chris Douglas-Roberts vs. Al Harrington
CDR did a pretty good job on Gerald Wallace, only holding him to 13 points, but he did grab 20 rebounds. CDR is faced with another big SF in Al Harrington, but his job should be a little bit easier since Harrington doesn’t really crash the boards like Wallace does.
Advantage: Chris Douglas-Roberts
Josh Boone vs. Jarred Jeffries
I don’t think there can be a worse match-up of power forwards in the NBA this year. Both guys are averaging 19+ minutes, and in those minutes, Boone is averaging 4.6 points and 5.6 rebounds while Jeffries is averaging 3.5 and 2.9 per.
Advantage: Push
Brook Lopez vs. David Lee
Brook Lopez took 20 shots inside the paint last game. The result? 31 points. That was against a solid defender in Tyson Chandler too. I really think that Brook can do it again this game, because while David Lee is great on the boards, he is more suited to be a PF in this league. If the Nets commit to getting the Brook the ball inside early and often, he could duplicate Friday’s performance today. Lee’s best chance is to try and draw him outside with his shot, try to get him into foul trouble.
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Game 15 Preview Vs. Portland Trailblazers
Nov 25, 2009 2009-2010 Open Threads, Game Previews, Nets vs. Trailblazers
Getting this one up pretty early because of some family obligations…
Last night sucked. The Nets were in that game for approximately 5 minutes, and after taking a 9-2 lead, it looked like the Nuggets decided to start trying and just pulled away. I am not going to talk about that game much, just because I want to forget about it. The Nets did not show any effort, but you know what? With so many guys playing 40 minutes early in the season, it was bound to happen once, so don’t look at yesterday and say Lawrence Frank has “lost” his team. Look to see what happens tonight, that is going to be the key.
As for tonight the Blazers are another very deep team, and they have one of the best perimeter players in the league. Also, don’t look now, Greg Oden seems to have “arrived.” Here are the matchups:
Steve Blake vs. Rafer Alston:
When the Blazers signed Andre Miller, many thought he was going to be the starter, but Blake simply took the job from him. Blake has been playing very well. He isn’t a guy who is going to out-quick you, but he is a smart player who can shoot the 3, and knows where to get his teammates the ball. Devin Harris isn’t starting tonight, but it looks like this will be his last game coming off the bench. It is about time, I think I am the last one on the Rafer Alston is doing ok bandwagon, and I am about ready to jump off.
Advantage: Steve Blake
Brandon Roy vs. Chris Douglas-Roberts:
CDR had an off game last night, but like the rest of the Nets you can give him a mulligan here. CDR was on the bench because of foul trouble and just really never got it going. He is a young guy though and with his attitude, you know he is itching to get out there and prove everyone wrong again. I think he will. Brandon Roy is very good as well, he is probably the Blazers’ best offensive option and he will have a very good game tonight.
Advantage: Brandon Roy
Martell Webster vs. Trenton Hassell:
Martell Webster is a quick guy with a smooth stroke, if he can get going, you have to watch out. That being said, with the rest of the lineup the Blazers are putting out there, you want to force Webster to score. You want to funnel the ball out of Roy or Aldridge’s hands. If Webster beats the Nets, so be it, I’d rather see that then see Roy and Aldridge put up 20 each.
Advantage: Martell Webster
LaMarcus Aldridge vs. Josh Boone:
LaMarcus Aldridge is a match-up for every single 4 the Nets have on their roster. He is an athletic guy who can do some stuff from the outside, but his length really presents a problem in the post. Josh Boone is going to struggle against him mightily. It would be interesting to watch Sean Williams play against him, but Lawrence Frank just seems to refuse to play him at the 4, so it isn’t going to happen.
Advantage: LaMarcus Aldridge
Greg Oden vs. Brook Lopez:
As I alluded to earlier, Greg Oden is having himself a pretty nice year. If you watch Sportscenter or the highlight shows, you just see him getting dunked on, but very quietly Oden is leading the league in FG% and he is third in the league in BPG (behind Brook). This is going to be a real fun matchup, but I do think Brook is going to want to prove himself and post a big game as Devin continues to get more minutes (Brook just looks like a different player when he and Devin are on the court at the same time).
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Prediction
Current Record 8-6
The Blazers are going to take this one, it is up to the Nets to decide how long this game will be watchable.