In their first game after the All-Star break, the Brooklyn Nets lost to the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers by a score of 110-97 on Thursday. Before this loss, the Nets were on a three-game winning streak and had won six of their last seven games. However, they will have a solid opportunity to get back on track as they take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, who are in the midst of a six-game losing streak.
The Nets and 76ers are both 20-35 and are tied for the No. 12 seed in the East. Additionally, they are both just 6.5 games behind the No. 7 seed Orlando Magic. It may not seem like it at the moment, but this game could have major playoff implications and is an important one for both teams.
Unfortunately for the Nets, they will be without one of their starters as they aim for a victory.
According to their official injury report , the Nets have ruled out D'Angelo Russell due to an ankle injury on the eve of his 29th birthday. Russell suffered the injury after 18 minutes in the loss to Cleveland. As it stands, it is unclear exactly when the Ohio State alum might make his return.
The Nets traded for Russell from the Los Angeles Lakers back in December. Russell previously played for the Nets from 2017 to 2019 and was an All-Star while with the team. Since his return, he has averaged 13.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.2 steals in 17 games.
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