This game does carry big implications, involving the NBA Draft for Brooklyn and Washington.
Here's this rare Easter treat from the NBA: A tank contest between the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards.
Obviously, this game doesn't carry the magnitude of a playoff preview. However, there will be eyes watching for this simple reason...
Someone could end up with the first overall pick if they continue to lose. Including in front of the Easter bunny and fans.
Brooklyn slowly started to increase its own chances in landing No. 1 through a recent 10-game slide. Now the Nets have lost 12 of their last 13 and are staring at their 60th loss of the season.
Washington hasn't fared much better. In fact, the Wizards sit in a way worse place than their northern neighbor at 17-60 overall. Take away the lottery format, and Washington ends up landing the top pick by virtue of having the worst record.
So who's the real favorite here?
Brooklyn enters as the 3.5-point favorite per FanDuel Sportsbook. Although the Nets don't have the healthiest of lineups for this game.
Michael Porter Jr. is now officially shut down for the rest of the season with his ankle ailment. His head coach Jordi Fernandez already let it be known he wants MPJ back next season despite hearing the constant trade rumblings.
Egor Demin was shut down nearly a month ago due to foot surgery. Now fellow rookie Danny Wolf has joined him and MPJ, with Wolf also dealing with an ankle ailment.
That's not all. Nic Claxton has been ruled out due to right hand soreness. Ziaire Williams is dealing with left foot soreness. Noah Clowney has soreness in his left ankle and will be sitting.
Even Ben Saraf has been hit with an ailment, as the rookie big back tightness that will make him questionable for Sunday's game.
Finally, Terance Mann has soreness in his left Achilles. But Mann has been listed as probable.
Who will the Nets turn to amid this massive pileup?
Malachi Smith will play this game on a new contract, signing for two more years on Saturday.
Brooklyn still has other rookies to turn to; Nolan Traore and Drake Powell are the healthy options there.
The NBA Trade Deadline additions of Josh Minott and Ochai Agbaji are also healthy and ready to go. Same with Jalen Wilson, Chaney Johnson and Tyson Etienne.
Brooklyn isn't the healthiest for this game that will be aired on the Monumental Sports Network (D.C. audience). But are considered the slight favorite to win. Especially with no Anthony Davis or Trae Young available for the Wizards.
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