After a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets, the Brooklyn Nets are looking to build momentum as they welcome the Utah Jazz to Barclays Center.
In their previous meeting last December 18, the Jazz cruised to a 17-point victory (125-108) at home against the Nets; and the Utah Jazz have been in good form. They have won 17 of their last 24 games and are moving back over the .500 mark.
Leading the Jazz in both scoring and rebounding departments, Lauri Markkanen averages an impressive 24 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest. Collin Sexton adds 18 points off the bench. Containing Utah's offensive juggernaut, which has racked up an average of 130.6 points per game in their previous eight outings, will be a formidable task for the Nets.
The Nets will need to improve upon their performance from the game in December if they are to come out on top this time around.
Ben Simmons Returns
Ben Simmons is poised to return from his 38-game absence caused by a left lower back nerve compression in the Brooklyn Nets - Utah Jazz game.
The Nets have struggled in his absence, with a record of 5-17 since December 14. Before his injury, Benjamin David Simmons averaged 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in the six games that he was able to play.
However, his shooting struggles remain a concern – he attempted no 3-pointers in those six games and got to the free-throw line only four times (making one).
The injury problems that sidelined Simmons frequently during the last campaign have reemerged, leading to his participation in just 42 games with the Nets.
They face a tough decision regarding a trade due to the athlete's substantial $37.9 million salary and questionable health history.
Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas have been holding down the fort in Simmons' absence. Claxton has had a solid run of form - averaging 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists per game in January. Thomas, meanwhile, has accumulated a minimum of 30 points in eight different games and maintains an average of 21.7 points per game.
The Utah Jazz are no strangers to injury woes themselves, with Dariq Whitehead set to miss the remainder of the season due to leg surgery and Dorian Finney-Smith nursing an ankle sprain.
The Nets will also be without Cam Johnson, who is missing the game for personal reasons.
They have had the fourth-worst offense in the NBA in January and will need all the help they can get to improve their fortunes.
Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM ET, with the Nets listed as one-point favorites according to current odds.
Key Players to Watch
Lauri Markkanen (UTA): Averaging 24 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, he will be a tall order for Brooklyn's defense.
Collin Sexton (UTA): He averages 18 points off the bench and has been in excellent form lately, scoring an average of 24.3 points per game over his last six contests.
Ben Simmons (BKN): After missing 38 games with injury, he is expected to make his return on Monday against the Utah Jazz.
The return of Ben Simmons and the recent form of Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas give the Nets a chance in this one, but the Jazz's impressive offense could prove too much for Brooklyn to handle.