The Nets ruled out eight players ahead of their game against the Pacers on Saturday, including Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Here’s what you should know:
- Durant was ruled out due to injury management (right knee) while Irving is listed as out with left adductor tightness.
- Seth Curry (left ankle), Joe Harris (left ankle), Ben Simmons (left knee/calf) and T.J. Warren (left foot) were also ruled out due to injury management, while Nic Claxton is out with right hamstring tightness. Royce O’Neale is unavailable to play due to personal reasons.
- The Nets wrapped up a 6-1 homestand Friday with a win over the Hawks and now begin a four-game road trip at Indiana.
Backstory
Simmons, who returned to Brooklyn’s lineup Friday after missing four games with a calf strain, was expected to sit out the game against Indiana for load management, as was Warren. Claxton didn’t play against the Hawks due to hamstring tightness, and though Durant scored 34 points in 36 minutes in the win over Atlanta, the forward was noncommittal about his status for Saturday when speaking to reporters after the game.
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Who will the Nets rely on against the Pacers?
Tonight is the Kessler Edwards and Cam Thomas show in Indy. Jacque Vaughn will see what he has in his young guys as both sophomores along with Day’Ron Sharpe, David Duke Jr. and veterans Patty Mills and Markieff Morris will all get some run. I’d expect Alondes Williams, the Nets rookie, to make his NBA debut as well. It’s a good opportunity for the Nets to see what they have in the young guys and to rest their overworked core. A win would be a surprise, but could speak to the depth they might have. — Schiffer
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(Photo: Brad Penner / USA Today)
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