Nets vs. Bulls: Three Storylines to Watch as Brooklyn Looks to Snap Skid
The Brooklyn Nets are back at Barclays Center Friday night, hosting a Chicago Bulls team they’ve already beaten once this season. But a lot’s changed since that early December matchup - and not necessarily for the better if you're Brooklyn.
That 10-point win over the Bulls was part of a strong December stretch where the Nets went 7-4. Fast forward to mid-January, and the vibes have shifted.
Brooklyn comes into this one riding a five-game losing streak, searching for rhythm, consistency, and answers in a lineup that’s still finding its identity. The Bulls, meanwhile, are hoping to thaw out from a brutal winter storm and heat up on the hardwood.
Here are three key storylines to watch as tip-off nears at 7 p.m. ET.
1. Can the Nets Rekindle Their Perimeter Firepower?
Let’s not sugarcoat it - the Nets went ice cold in their recent loss to the Pelicans. They shot just 37% from the field and couldn’t find their range from deep when it mattered most. That’s a far cry from the performance they put on against the Bulls in their last meeting, when they connected on 41% of their shots and lit it up from beyond the arc.
Brooklyn’s roster is built to shoot. This isn’t a team that’s going to bully you in the paint or grind out buckets on the block. Their identity leans heavily on spacing, ball movement, and perimeter shooting - and when that’s clicking, they’re a tough out.
Michael Porter Jr. was unstoppable in that December win, dropping 33 points with a smooth shooting stroke that gave Chicago fits. The Nets could use a repeat performance, especially with the offense sputtering lately.
Rookie big man Noah Clowney also made his presence felt in that one, knocking down six threes - a rare feat for a frontcourt player. And don’t sleep on Egor Demin, who’s shown flashes of being a microwave scorer when he gets going.
If Brooklyn wants to end this skid, it starts with reigniting that long-range attack.
2. Jonathan Kuminga Trade Rumors Hover Over the Matchup
Jonathan Kuminga’s name officially entered the trade rumor mill on Thursday, and the Nets are one of the teams reportedly circling.
The potential framework? A swap involving Michael Porter Jr., which would be a bold move considering how much Brooklyn leans on MPJ’s shooting. Kuminga brings athleticism, defensive upside, and untapped potential - but he’s not a plug-and-play shooter, and that’s a gap the Nets would need to fill elsewhere if they pull the trigger.
General manager Sean Marks will have some tough decisions to make. Whether it’s via trade or the 2026 NBA Draft, Brooklyn needs to find the right balance between development and staying competitive. Don’t be surprised if Kuminga’s name gets tossed around during the broadcast or echoed inside Barclays throughout the night.
3. One Rookie is Poised to Shine - But Which One?
Brooklyn’s rookie class continues to be one of the more intriguing storylines this season. They’ve got depth, versatility, and a few guys who are already flashing serious upside.
Drake Powell is coming off a career-best scoring night and is starting to look more confident with each game. Nolan Traore has shown he can run the offense and create for others - a skill set that becomes even more valuable in tight games. Danny Wolf brings the physicality, especially when matched up against bigger frontcourts like Chicago’s.
But the spotlight likely lands on Egor Demin. He’s been the most consistent of the bunch and has the scoring chops to swing a game. With the Nets desperate for a spark, Demin’s ability to stretch the floor and make plays could be the X-factor in this one.
One thing’s for sure: if Brooklyn is going to climb out of this slump, it’ll need one of its young guns to step up and deliver under the bright lights.
Bottom Line
The Nets have already shown they can beat the Bulls - but this isn’t December anymore. With a five-game losing streak hanging over them and trade rumors swirling, Brooklyn needs a bounce-back in a big way. Friday night presents an opportunity to reset, rediscover their shooting touch, and maybe even get a glimpse of the future through their rookie class.
The question is: who’s ready to answer the call?