The Brooklyn Nets’ 2021-22 season was a massive failure thanks to various injuries and drama. After entering the season as a title favorite, Brooklyn finished 44-38 with the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. After defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Play-In Tournament (115-108), the Nets were swept in the first round by the Boston Celtics. Not exactly the season Brooklyn was hoping for.
The Nets’ title aspirations were nearly put to an end in the offseason as trade rumors swirled around forward Kevin Durant and point guard Kyrie Irving. Brooklyn managed to keep the team together, making the Nets championship contenders once more. Most importantly, Brooklyn enters the season healthy.
Let’s check the latest NBA picks, stats, injury reports, and NBA predictions. We’ve plenty of NBA expert picks for you to consider.
Brooklyn Nets Odds
- To win NBA championship +700
- To win Eastern Conference +325
- To win Atlantic Division +200
- To make playoffs Yes -3000/ No +900
Player to Watch
Many believe Durant is the best player in the world. When healthy, Durant is one of the most skilled scorers we have ever seen. His jump shot is unguardable thanks to Durant’s 7-foot-5 wingspan, plus, he can put it on the floor. The 12-time All-Star is a four-time scoring champ and comes off a season average of 29.9 points per game.
Injuries are the only thing stopping Durant. He missed the entire 2019-20 season after rupturing his Achilles in the 2019 playoffs. In 2020-21, Durant played in 35 of 72 regular-season games, and he missed 27 games last season. Brooklyn needs Durant healthy, especially in the postseason.
- Player to Watch: Kevin Durant
Breakout Player
Most of the Nets’ roster is comprised of veteran players, which means few breakout candidates. However, second-year guard Cam Thomas is poised to contribute off the bench. In his rookie season, Thomas flashed high-scoring potential. He appeared in 67 games, averaging 8.5 points in 17.6 minutes per game. The LSU product posted at least 20 points in 10 games, including a 30-point explosion against the Utah Jazz on February 4.
HBD Cam Thomas (@24_camthomas)
He averaged 21 PTS (48% FG), 4 REB, 3 AST during an 8-game stretch with the @BrooklynNets last season. pic.twitter.com/6OcQ0prFOK— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 13, 2022
Brooklyn has built impressive depth with talented scorers coming off the bench. Thomas has the skill set to take the Nets’ rotation to the next level. He can create his own shot or be an efficient catch-and-shoot player. Thomas could be an instrumental role player for the 2022-23 Nets.
- Breakout Watch: Cam Thomas
Brooklyn Nets Outlook
It is championship or bust for Brooklyn. The Nets cannot afford to severely underachieve for the second consecutive season. Durant nearly forced his way out in the offseason. His patience will run thin with another bad season. And if Durant leaves, so will many other players, like Irving.
Brooklyn should be able to avoid this catastrophe. The Nets are healthy and forward Ben Simmons will finally make his debut. As a two-time All-Defensive player, Simmons’ switchability will be a huge boost on defense. The return of shooting-specialist Joe Harris will also help spacing on offense. Forward T.J. Warren is an X-factor; he could add a lot of scoring off of the bench.
The Nets are stacked and in a prime position to compete for a title. Staying healthy will be the season’s biggest key.
