The Brooklyn Nets are riding high after what they called their best performance of the season, clocking a solid 114-104 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday where they played strong for all 48 minutes. But even with that big W, they are still missing a crucial piece: guard Egor Demin remains sidelined for Saturday’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, continuing his recovery from a right leg bone bruise.
Demin’s Return Still A Question Mark As Coach Fernandez Reworks Guard Spot
Demin’s been out of commission since October 27, when he went down just 10 minutes into a tough 125-124 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics. The initial word was he’d be reevaluated a week from October 29. While we are still waiting on that update, the fact he is already ruled out for Saturday pretty much tells you he needs more time. Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez isn’t just sitting around, though. He has been giving Chaney Johnson and Terance Mann more run at guard, trying to plug the gap Demin’s absence has created. It is tough when you lose a guy who’s part of your core rotation, even if the team has been relatively healthy through the first eight games.
G-League Assignments Continue, But Clowney Is Back In The Mix
Beyond Demin, the Nets will also be without Ben Saraf and Grant Nelson, along with rookies Joshua Jefferson and Tyler Bilodeau, as they are all still on their G League assignments. That is a lot of depth in the backcourt and on the wing being pulled from the main roster. However, there is some good news on the injury front. Forward Noah Clowney, who had fans holding their breath after missing the second half of Wednesday’s win against the Hornets with right knee soreness, is thankfully not on the injury report for Saturday. Looks like he is good to go, which is a big relief for the frontcourt rotation. As for their opponents, the Hawks had forwards Jalen Johnson (ankle) and Asa Newell (toe) and center Jock Landale (hip) all ruled out for their NBA Cup game against the Washington Wizards on Friday, so it is a pretty safe bet they could miss Saturday’s contest too.
The Nets are heading into Atlanta aiming to stretch this winning streak to two games. It won’t be easy, no matter who the Hawks put on the floor. The team is going to need that “best performance of the season” energy if they want to keep the good vibes rolling.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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