Charlotte takes on a Brooklyn team that still has a limited roster. Will fans expect a rout? Here's a preview.
The Brooklyn Nets are in finish out strong mode.
This despite owning one of the league's worst records, but also continuing to improve their NBA Draft chances. Speaking of the latter, the Saturday Final Four showdowns feature at least one player from each team who could help the Nets next season.
But our focus is on Tuesday' contest inside the Barclays Center against the Charlotte Hornets.
Brooklyn enters with an 18-57 overall record. The Nets have the next seven games to try and hit the 20-win mark to close out the season. But losing out will mark their worst full regular season campaign since the 2009-10 year, when Brooklyn ended with a 12-70 record.
Unfortunately for head coach Jordi Fernandez, he won't be able to match last year's 26-win total, even if the Nets close on a seven-game winning streak. At the very highest, Brooklyn can finish 25-57 overall and still be in contention for a high NBA Draft lottery pick (the lottery selections are unveiled and finalized on May 10).
Fernandez does see a team that continues to show grit, though, despite what the Nets' record reveals. He's also taking a liking to the development and late season charge of Ziaire Williams...including revealing if he's got a spot on the roster next season.
"He’s taken advantage of all those opportunities," Fernández said after taking the win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. "He’s embraced what we’re doing and the process, which is the best thing. He understands. He’s about the right things. I’m happy with him, and I’ve seen what I had to see. I also need him to go through this [remaining] stretch of eight games."
Fernandez sees a talent taking advantage of his extensive playing time through injuries.
“So, he’s embraced every situation. I’m very happy with what I’ve seen from him, and then we’ll make decisions when we have to. Obviously, it’s very collaborative around here. I’m not the one making decisions on the roster, but I’m always asked, and right now, we’re in a good place. The process is the best thing; it’s just going through it," Fernandez adds.
The Nets will need a heavy dosage of Williams' scoring once again. Terrance Mann and Danny Wolf will be out for this one and possibly Jalen Wilson, per Erik Slater of ClutchPoints. The latter player, however, is listed as probable with an illness.
Charlotte is a massive favorite at 17.5-points per FanDuel Sportsbook. FanDuel Sports South will air the Tuesday game.
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