Analyzing the Nets’ Projected Schedule

It is important to remember the Nets will not have either Kyrie Irving (shoulder) or Kevin Durant (Achilles) participating for the rest of the season. Therefore, Brooklyn’s young core will have to work cohesively and play together as a team if they want to move forward in the playoffs. Let’s make some predictions about the eight regular-season games the Nets have to play to keep their seeding in the East. 

Game 1: Los Angeles Clippers (L, 119-102)

The Clippers are the third most likely team to win it all (according to Vegas) and that’s for good reason. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are accompanied by a strong core of players that will pose as matchup nightmares for the Nets. But before all hope is lost, there are some strengths that the Nets have over the Clippers. First of all, Brooklyn has an advantage at point guard, as Spencer Dinwiddie (20.6 PPG, 6.8 APG, 3.5 RPG) gets the edge over Patrick Beverley.

Also, the Nets have the better players at center because Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Jordan are better two-way players than Montrezl Harrell and Ivica Zubac. However, with Marcus Morris averaging 17.4 PPG, Kawhi Leonard averaging 26.9 PPG, and Paul George averaging 21.0 PPG, the Nets will get overpowered on both sides of the ball.

Game 2: Sacramento Kings (W, 114-103)

When the Nets faced the Kings earlier this season, it was clear that the Nets were the superior team. Brooklyn matches up well with the Kings, who ultimately lack maturity. At point guard, De’ Aaron Fox and Spencer Dinwiddie are extremely talented point guards who cancel each other out (20.4 PPG and 6.8 APG for Fox vs. 20.6 PPG and 6.8 APG) for Dinwiddie). At shooting guard, Joe Harris is a superior three-point shooter to Bogdan Bogdanovic (41.2% to 36.1% from downtown).

For small forward, Caris LeVert is a better two-way player than Harrison Barnes. At power forward however, Nemanja Bjelica is more efficient than Taurean Prince, so the Kings would win that matchup. Finally, at center, DeAndre Jordan is more efficient and grabs more rebounds than Richaun Holmes. I respect the prolific play of the Kings this season, but they are unlikely to beat Brooklyn.

Game 3: Washington Wizards (W, 123-120)

Even though the Wizards have beaten the Nets twice this season, fans should still be confident about this game. On paper, the Nets are the better team even without Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The Wizards have had issues with their team chemistry all season, and the franchise has generally not been the same without a healthy John Wall. Bradley Beal has managed to average 30.5 PPG this season, but his efforts have not helped the Wizards, who hold a 24-40 record.

The only reason this game might be close is that Washington has had the Nets’ number the past few years as Brooklyn has lost four out of their last five against the team from the nation’s capitol. Sorry Wizards fans, but your team has a minimal chance of beating the Nets in Orlando and an even smaller chance at claiming a playoff spot. 

Game 4: Boston Celtics (L, 113-108)

The Nets and the Celtics have played each other three times this season, and each game was highly competitive. Brooklyn proved that they could compete with Boston, as their lineup matches well with them. However, the Celtics are slightly better at each position, which puts the Nets at a disadvantage during this matchup.

Kemba Walker is a superior playmaker and scorer to Dinwiddie (21.2 PPG vs. 20.6 PPG) at the point guard position. Jaylen Brown, a borderline All-Star, is better than Joe Harris at shooting guard. In terms of forwards, Gordon Hayward and Caris LeVert are similar in my opinion, as both average around 17 PPG. Jayson Tatum’s 2019-20 campaign has been spectacular to watch this year; therefore, he is a better choice than Taurean Prince. Finally, for the center position, DeAndre Jordan is a better rebounder and overall player than Daniel Theis. The defense of the Celtics will give them a narrow win in this matchup. 

Game 5: Orlando Magic (W, 116-107)

The Magic have defeated the Nets twice this season. One game was close while the other win was by double-digits. The two teams are evenly matched, and their records are almost identical. At point guard, Spencer Dinwiddie gets the advantage over Markelle Fultz, who is still trying to fit into the NBA (20.6 ppg, 6.8 apg vs. 12.1 ppg, 5.2 apg). Evan Fournier is slightly better than Joe Harris on offense; however, Harris’s defense makes up for the gap. Caris Levert is a better overall player than Aaron Gordon, although both are explosive and have had a productive 2019-20 season. Finally, Nikola Vucevic is a better scorer and rebounder than DeAndre Jordan. Both teams have a deep roster and a strong desire to win. After a severe loss against Boston, the Nets will conquer the Magic in this game. 

Game 6: Los Angeles Clippers (L, 121-114)

At this point in the season, the Clippers could clinch the second seed in the Western Conference. If that is the case, the Clippers may choose to sit Kawhi Leonard and/or Paul George. This could allow them a game to rest for the playoffs. Regardless, fans can expect the Nets to play the Clippers much better the second time around. In this game, strong performances could be anticipated from Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris Levert, Joe Harris, Jarrett Allen, or DeAndre Jordan. Despite the Nets’ efforts, many fans may still have a hard time seeing the Clippers lose this game so close to the start of the playoffs. 

Game 7: Orlando Magic (W, 102-97)

This game against the Orlando Magic is highly possible for deciding the seventh and eighth seeds in the Eastern Conference. Expect a fierce, defensive battle that will see the Magic’s size against the speed and playmaking of the Nets. These teams know each other well, as this will be their fourth meeting of the season. The most significant factor in this game would be Nikola Vucevic because he could overpower either Jarrett Allen or DeAndre Jordan at the center position. Overall, this game goes to the Nets because of their superior guard play and the team chemistry of the Brooklyn Nets Players.

Game 8: Portland Trailblazers (L, 136-124)

The Portland Trailblazers, who are in a tight spot to get the 8th seed in the Western Conference, will most likely play Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum close to the entirety of the game. The Nets are outmatched at the guard positions, as Damian Lillard is a better scorer than Dinwiddie (28.9 ppg vs. 20.6 ppg), and CJ McCollum is a better scorer than Caris Levert (22.5 ppg vs. 17.7 ppg). 

At small forward, Joe Harris is a more efficient three-point shooter than Trevor Ariza (13.9 ppg, 41.2% 3PT vs. 11 ppg, 40% 3PT). At power forward, Carmelo Anthony is a better scorer than Taurean Prince (15.3 ppg vs. 12.1 ppg), although Prince has more to offer on defense. At the center, Hassan Whiteside is a better scorer and rebounder than DeAndre Jordan (16.3 ppg, 14.2 rpg vs. 8.3 ppg, 10 rpg). Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins should also be healthy for the restart in Orlando. The Trailblazers seem determined to make the playoffs. Therefore, the Blazers will defeat the Nets in the 8th and final game in the regular season.

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