Game Preview #68: Nets at Wolves

Game Info

• Who: Brooklyn Nets (37-29) at Minnesota Timberwolves (34-33)
• When: 7:00 PM CT
• TV: Bally Sports North (Michael Grady, Jim Petersen, Katie Storm)
• Radio: 830 AM WCCO
• Line: Wolves -4.5 | Total: 226.5 (courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

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Injury Reports

Minnesota

OUT:

• Garza - Two-Way Contract
• Nowell - Left Knee Tendinopathy
• Ryan - Two-Way Contract
• Towns - Right Calf Strain

Brooklyn

OUT:

• Ben Simmons - Knee/Back

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What to Watch For

The Timberwolves are 3-3 since the All-Star break, flashing new-found chemistry in the backcourt, some pick-and-roll success with Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert, and a rise from Nickeil Walker-Alexander. However, issues of inconsistency and — most recently on Tuesday — sputtering offense have each reared their head once again, a good encapsulation of the 2022-23 season thus far.

The Nets will play their third game in four days, and will suit up Friday night after losing to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night in Milwaukee. Cameron Johnson, Spencer Dinwiddie and Nic Claxton will all make their return to the court after missing Thursday night’s contest.

Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

Continued Mike Conley/Rudy Gobert Chemistry

Although still an offensive work in progress, Rudy Gobert has looked good offensively after the break. He’s averaging 14.8 points, including a 22-point effort against the Clippers.

With some additional time to get situated, Mike Conley also seems to be getting more comfortable with his new team. He scored 24 points in a win against the Kings, a season high scoring total. He followed it up with a 6-point game, shooting 1-for-6 from the field in Minnesota’s last outing against the Philadelphia 76ers, a game in which nearly everyone but Anthony Edwards struggled.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s Continued Rise

Since joining the Wolves, NAW is shooting 48% from deep on 3.5 attempts per game. It’s a tremendous addition of shooting to the rotation, especially considering he’s stepped in as a perimeter defender as well. His energy gives the team Austin Rivers-esque defense, while also providing spacing, a gift for Chris Finch.

Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

In a game that features Spencer Dinwiddie, Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas, NAW will surely be tasked with maintaining the Nets’ perimeter threats.

Mikal Bridges’ Ascent to Stardom

The former Villanova Wildcat is averaging 25 points per contest while wearing a Nets uniform, shooting a blistering 49% from 3-point range on five attempts per game.

Known as an elite role player during his time in Phoenix, Bridges has stepped into a scoring role in Brooklyn, posting five games of 30 points or more in the team’s last nine games.

He’ll likely be guarded by Jaden McDaniels, who mirrors Bridges as a long, agile two-way player. It will certainly be a matchup to watch all night, as McDaniels continues to create an All-Defense Team bid.

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Gauntlet of Wing Defenders vs. Anthony Edwards

Friday night surely won’t be an easy outing for Edwards, with Bridges, Royce O’Neale, Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith staring him down from the other side of the court.

The Wolves will need a scoring punch — a tall order — from the rest of the team, including Naz Reid.

Minnesota ranks No. 22 in the league in offensive rating, and will depend on their role players to complement Edwards’ output until Karl Anthony-Towns returns to the lineup (whenever that may be).