When: 7:30 PM EST; Monday, January 5th, 2015
Where: Barclays Center; Brooklyn, NY
TV: YES Network
A few days after finally getting back to the .500 mark for the first time in over a month, the Nets got beaten right back into a losing record last night by the Heat, whom the Nets are now 0-3 against this season, in Miami. Brooklyn is right back at it on Monday night at home against the Dallas Mavericks, who are one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Prior to last night’s defeat, the Nets were on a three-game winning streak and had won six of their last seven games. But, as we’ve seen from this team enough, they were due for a letdown game and letdown game they would play against the Heat, who they swept the season series from last year and on the verge of getting swept this time around. What a strange game this is.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are riding a five-game winning streak and since the recent acquisition of Rajon Rondo from the Celtics, have been firing on all cylinders. Giving up former Net Branden Wright, Jae Crowder and Jameer Nelson for the All-Star point guard, Dallas got an elite playmaker for what appears to be nickels or dimes on the dollar.
A team already chock full of scorers, the Mavericks only improved their formidable attack with the addition of Rondo, allowing them to have one of the league’s most talented starting lineups night in and night out. Considering Deron Williams (sore side) and Kevin Garnett (rest on second half of back-to-back) are both out for Brooklyn, it might be hard for the Nets to match up with Dallas’ ability.
Probable Lineups
DAL- Rajon Rondo (PG), Monta Ellis (SG), Chandler Parsons (SF), Dirk Nowitzki (PF), Tyson Chandler (C)
BKN- Jarrett Jack (PG), Joe Johnson (SG), Sergey Karasev (SF), Mason Plumlee (PF), Brook Lopez (C)
Final Thoughts
A loss tonight would send the Nets right back to two games under .500, a place they desperately tried to get out with their recent surge. However, that stretch of good play will be almost all for naught with another setback. Considering they were 10-15 a few weeks ago, the Nets shouldn’t be too upset with 16-18 but they certainly shouldn’t be happy with it.
Also, in just released news, Brook Lopez will make his return to the starting lineup tonight in place of KG. Brook and Mason Plumlee will start alongside each other.
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