Headlines for this match-up continue with what is transpiring off the court. The Brooklyn Nets continue to deal with the Kyrie Irving saga with no resolution. For on-court matters, Irving leaves a vacancy on offense that the Nets have not filled.
The Nets are asking Kevin Durant to do all the heavy lifting for the franchise, and at some point, the straw will break the camel's back.
On the other hand, Portland develops new stars like Anfernee Simons, thus purposefully taking the pressure off their superstar, Damian Lillard. The good vibes emit from the Portland locker room, while only negative sentiments leak out of the Brooklyn locker room.
The Nets flying West Coast during a tumultuous season might not end well.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Trailblazers Details
Fixture: Brooklyn Nets @ Portland Trailblazers
Date and Time: Thursday, November 18, 10:00 PM ET
Venue: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Trailblazers Injury Report
Keep an eye on Portland big man Jusuf Nurkic leading up to tip-off. Nurkic is questionable for this one with a calf contusion. Justise Winslow is also questionable, with a non-Covid related illness that has cost the wingman the last two games. PG Gary Payton II continues to progress in his rehab from core muscle surgery but remains out for the foreseeable future.
T.J. Warren remains out for the Brooklyn Nets, but reports have surfaced that he has begun a conditioning program to ramp up his return to the court.
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Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Trailblazers Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Trailblazers Betting Odds & Spreads
Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Trailblazers Starting 5s
Nets - PG Ben Simmons, SG Seth Curry, SF Royce O'Neale, PF Kevin Durant, C Nicolas Claxton
Trailblazers - PG Damian Lillard, SG Anfernee Simons, SF Josh Hart, PF Jerami Grant, C Jusuf Nurkic
Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Trailblazers Betting Prediction
Whether Jusuf Nurkic can go tonight or not is a big deal. The Trailblazers' big man provides a wallop inside to match the defensive tenacity of Nicolas Claxton.
The Nets don't have enough offensively, in my opinion. Without Kyrie Irving, who is picking up the offensive firepower left behind? Certainly not Ben Simmons. The Nets need another player that can find their shot in the worst way, and they won't find them for this game.
It's DAME time! Take the Blazers to cover at home.
Prediction: Portland Trailblazers -2.5 (-110) (O/U 220, -110)
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