NBA 2021/22 on Thursday, 11.02.2022
Seven, eight, nine…! Are the New York Islanders about to be counted out? Finally, the Brooklyn Nets are facing their tenth straight loss in their game against the Washington Wizards! Until recently, no one would have thought this turn of events possible.
But as long as the Harden-Simmons trade is not off the table, there is simply no peace for the black and whites!
The Wizards, on the other hand, are also caught in a negative spiral, but those who regularly read our NBA tips know that I haven’t lost faith in the Bullets by any means.
Today the transfer window closes and we will see if James Harden will indeed still move to the Sixers. For wicked tongues claim that The Beard is only faking his injury to lend weight to his desire to transfer.
Incidentally, there is already a precedent for this, even if the circumstances were somewhat different back then with the Rockets. In any case, this situation is putting a strain on the performance of his Nets, who are already suffering from enormous injury misfortune.
I have already discussed the plight in detail several times. Instead, in my Wizards Nets tip, I’ll just list New York’s likely starting five this time, because it speaks for itself: Irving, Mills, Edwards, Johnson and Griffin at the five (!).
Let’s now turn our attention to the Wizards, who really haven’t covered themselves in glory in recent weeks. Not only have the Bullets lost eight of their last nine games, but they have also lost Bradley Beal.
Beal’s injury is a major blow and will likely keep Washington out of the playoff race. However, I trust that the starting five of Dinwiddie, Holiday, Caldwell-Pope, Kuzma and Bryant has enough quality to beat the Nets.
After all, the Bullets recently won against the Sixers and were somehow “on” even in most of their losses. The Brooklyn Nets, on the other hand, have seen no land whatsoever in the wake of their last three losses.
At this point, it’s worth taking a closer look at the formations. Washington have had some dark moments, but the quality we will see on the floor tonight still gives me confidence.
Dinwiddie himself played for the Nets last year, while Caldwell-Pope and Kuzma transferred from the playmaking Lakers at the start of the season. At the five, we have Bryant, a talented second-round pick who will win tonight’s centre duel.
After all, it should not be forgotten that the Nets have a huge problem especially at the five. Actually, this position belongs to the New York boss – Kevin Durant. But he is injured just like the substitute centre Aldridge.
Recently, bench player Claxton has also been out of action at this position, which is why Head Coach Steve Nash – due to a lack of alternatives – has to line up Blake Griffin, who is actually a power forward, at this unusual position for him.
Another chance-death in the starting five of the Black and Whites is definitely Kessler Edwards. For the 21-year-old, the assignment in the NBA comes too soon! For in his last three games, the rookie totalled just two points in almost 60 minutes of play…
The last time the two teams faced each other was on 20 January. On that occasion, the Nets, visiting the Capital One Arena, were ahead by just one point! However, Harden was still doing well then….
The bookmakers, meanwhile, see the Bullets as favourites and are trading a win at odds of around 1.68. Should the reverse occur, however, the markets are offering betting odds of around 2.25 on a Nets win.
Conclusion: The Wizards have lost Bradley Beal and are also caught in a negative spiral. However, I think there is enough quality in the starting five to handle the Nets who are shorthanded.
As for Brooklyn, we will find out today whether Harden will be allowed to transfer after all, but that won’t change his team’s predicament in the short term. Brooklyn is threatened with its tenth defeat in a row!
Blake Griffin will once again step in at the unfamiliar centre position, while Kessler Edwards must now deliver. But with only 21 years of age and the enormous pressure on the New Yorkers, this is certainly easier said than done.
My Wizards Nets tip: Home side win!
