Coming off an impressive win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, the Nets will look to keep the momentum going and take a win over a Thunder team who is dealing with several injuries. The reigning Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant will not be playing. Also added to the injury list is All-Star Russell Westbrook.
The projected starting lineup for the Nets includes Deron Williams, Bojan Bogdanović, Joe Johnson, Kevin Garnett, and Brook Lopez. For the Thunder, Sebastian Telfair, Andre Robinson, Perry Jones, Serge Ibaka, and Steven Adams.
Lopez, who missed the previous two games, will make his season debut Monday night. He was able to go through a full practice with the team Sunday and is set to go.
When asked how Lopez is feeling about his season debut, he said “I don’t think nervous, but anxious. Anxious is a good word.” The return of Lopez is just what the Nets needed against a team that has been relying on much of their scoring in the paint. Ibaka is coming off a 23-point game against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, while Perkins finished with 17. Lopez, a very gifted inside scorer, will look to be matched up with either Adams or Ibaka.
After having played 35 minutes last game, Garnett should play less tonight. With Lopez back in the lineup, Johnson should also have a more relaxed game, especially after coming off a 34-point performance. Bench production is always important, and now that Mason Plumlee will most likely be returning to the bench, it should help strengthen it. Mirza Teletovic is also another valuable player that has the ability to put up big scoring numbers.
Its should be a good crowd in Brooklyn, especially since its the first time fans will get to see their team this season. The Nets will look to having an advantage by not only being home, but also by facing a Oklahoma City team that is shorthanded at the moment.
The game starts at 7:30 P.M. EST.