The Brooklyn Nets are hosting the Golden State Warriors at the Barclays Center tonight. Once again, watching both teams face off will be an exciting game that will keep NBA fans on the edge of their seats. The Warriors do not look like the defending champs right now, after winning just 15 games so far. When they won their 7th title a few months ago, it looked like the dynasty’s reign was back. But it hasn’t been anywhere close to that.
The Warriors have struggled massively with their defensive problems. When they defended as a unit, the Warriors struck fear in opponents. They knew how to get inside their minds to take home the win. It would be safe for us to claim that it has been the exact opposite of that this season. The Warriors’ opponents have found it easy to exploit their loopholes in defense without much work.
On the other hand, the Nets had quite a disastrous start at the beginning of the 2022-23 NBA season. But it looks like Jacque Vaughn has finally managed to get them back on track. The Nets are on an exceptional winning run under their new head coach right now. To make matters worse for the Warriors tonight, they have some key players out of the game as well.
The Golden State Warriors will miss key player Klay Thompson against the Brooklyn Nets tonight
Stephen Curry caught the NBA world, and the entire GSW fanbase off guard when he got injured. During the game against the Indiana Pacers, Curry had to leave early after suffering a labral injury in his left shoulder. It happened when he was trying to defend Pacers’ Jalen Smith, who looked to be driving to the rim.
Steph went to the locker room after appearing to injure his left shoulder on this play pic.twitter.com/FNFcSh8YrK
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 15, 2022
It looks like this injury will keep The Chef out of the game against the Nets tonight as well. According to reports, the Warriors will also miss Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and a few other players tonight. Klay will also miss the game tonight, because of his right knee injury management. Klay has had his fair share of troubles with injuries in recent times and it looks like it might continue tonight as well.
Warriors officially without Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson, Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green tonight at Nets. James Wiseman questionable with a left thumb sprain.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 21, 2022
It would be one for the Warriors’ young players since their best players are out. Apart from the starters, veteran Andre Iguodala remains sidelined even after such a long time, mainly because of his hip injury.
Golden State Warriors injury report
- Stephen Curry (out)
- Klay Thompson (out)
- Andrew Wiggins (out)
- Donte DiVincenzo (out)
- Andre Iguodala (out)
- JaMychal Green (out)
- James Wiseman (questionable)
Golden State Warriors expected roster
- Draymond Green
- Jordan Poole
- Jonathan Kuminga
- Kevon Looney
- Moses Moody
GSW’s star-studded names on the injury aren’t exactly the worst news for their fans. Another interesting fact to remember about tonight’s game is that the Nets do not have any players on their injury reports. This means that they will have their entire roster at full strength.
Brooklyn Nets injury report
- no injuries reported
Brooklyn Nets expected roster
- Kevin Durant
- Kyrie Irving
- Yuta Watanabe
- Nic Claxton
- Royce O’Neale
Can the Nets take advantage of the Warriors’ injury woes?
As mentioned, the Nets have an abundance of talent on their roster right now. With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving going at full swing, combined with Yuta Watanabe’s sudden emergence, the Nets are looking dangerous right now. With that said, it would be safe for us to predict that the New York-based franchise is the favorite to take the win tonight.
The main reason for that would be the fact that they have done extremely well in their last 5 games if we look at recent form. The Nets are on a 5-game winning streak, and if that wasn’t enough, they have only lost once in the last 10. It looks like Jacque is making his magic work in New York. In the last game, they beat the Detroit Pistons, whereas the Warriors fell to the New York Knicks.
One might mention that the Warriors won the last two times these two franchises faced, but they had Steph and Wiggins balling out on the court. That will not be the case tonight. Curry has been arguably one of the best players this season, despite what his haters may claim. His offensive prowess and ability to step up when needed have overshadowed the defensive loopholes the Warriors have.