Will Minott or Clowney Start in Nets-76ers Showdown?

The Brooklyn Nets' starting lineup will look different in Thursday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, as two starters appear on the injury report.

Michael Porter Jr. (left wrist soreness) and Day'Ron Sharpe (left shoulder soreness) have been ruled out. They join rookies Mikel Brown Jr. (ankle recovery) and Joshua Jefferson (lower back), who are missing their second straight game.

Porter and Sharpe's backups will enter the starting lineup, aiming to continue Brooklyn's strong preseason start after Tuesday's blowout win.

Wagner is the natural alternative to Sharpe at center, but the bigger question is which player starts in Porter's place. Josh Minott and Noah Clowney are the two options for coach Jordi Fernández.

Both are competing to solidify their roles in Fernández's rotation and had solid showings against the Charlotte Hornets.

Clowney got the early nod over Minott. He tallied seven points (2-for-3 shooting), one rebound, one assist and two steals.

The 22-year-old could be the favorite to start with real starting experience under his belt. Clowney started a career-high 60 games last season, leading to explosive growth in his third season.

He averaged 12.3 points and 4.1 rebounds across 66 games. Brooklyn's 2023 first-round pick has improved every season and could be an important restricted free agent next offseason.

Clowney must prove himself once more, as the acquisition of Julius Randle shakes up the lineup. Randle, 31, is the starting power forward, taking over the fourth-year forward's spot from last season.

Minott is an interesting alternative as a 3-and-D wing. He scored six points and recorded two steals in nine minutes, suggesting he's the more efficient player.

The Nets acquired Minott from the Boston Celtics at February's trade deadline. He nursed an ankle sprain throughout his 16-game tenure, but he bounced back with multiple season-high performances.

The 23-year-old scored a career-high 24 points against the Atlanta Hawks on March 12 and 22 points against the New York Knicks on March 20.

Minott averaged 10.8 points and 1.3 steals while shooting 41.8% from three. Those numbers impressed general manager Sean Marks, who said he was excited to see how a summer of rest and recovery would help the two-way wing.

Brooklyn needs two-way wings to improve on its league-worst 34% 3-point shooting and build on the No. 1 defensive rating it posted last December.

Clowney and Minott's competition for the backup forward spot will continue, and whoever starts Thursday doesn't suggest they have the upper hand.