Nets vs. Bulls Preview: Brooklyn Looks to Build on Momentum Against Struggling Chicago
The Brooklyn Nets may not be chasing playoff seeding right now, but they’re still finding ways to make things interesting. Saturday’s win over Washington - a game that felt more like a battle for lottery positioning than postseason implications - gave Brooklyn a much-needed jolt. Day’Ron Sharpe led the way with 19 points and nine boards, showing once again that when given the opportunity, he can be a real presence in the paint.
Now, the Nets turn their attention to a Chicago Bulls squad that’s been spinning its wheels lately. The Bulls have dropped four straight and just hit the reset button in a big way at the trade deadline, parting ways with Coby White, Nikola Vučević, Kevin Huerter, and Dalen Terry.
That’s not just a roster shake-up - that’s a full-on identity shift. And for a team still trying to stay afloat in the East, it raises big questions about where they go from here.
📍 Matchup at a Glance
- Who: Chicago Bulls (24-29) at Brooklyn Nets (14-37)
- When: 7:30 PM ET
- Where to Watch: YES Network
This one’s not about playoff implications. It’s about pride, development, and figuring out what kind of team you want to be heading into the back half of the season. For the Nets, that means leaning into their young core and seeing who rises to the occasion.
Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Brooklyn will be without several players tonight, including Michael Porter Jr., who continues to deal with right knee tendinitis. Egor Demin is out for rest, while Tyson Etienne, Chaney Johnson, and E.J.
Liddell remain unavailable on G League two-way assignments. That’s a lot of depth off the table, so expect the Nets to rely heavily on their remaining rotation - and for someone like Sharpe to keep getting extended looks.
What to Watch For Tonight
- Day’Ron Sharpe’s Continued Growth: Sharpe’s performance against Washington wasn’t just about the numbers - it was about the energy. He controlled the glass, finished strong around the rim, and gave Brooklyn a physical edge they’ve often lacked this season. With the Bulls’ frontcourt in flux after the trade deadline, he’ll have another chance to assert himself.
- Brooklyn’s Ball Movement: With so many key players out, the Nets will need to rely on crisp passing and team-oriented offense. That means quick decision-making, off-ball movement, and staying disciplined against a Bulls defense that’s still figuring things out post-deadline.
- Chicago’s New Look: With several key contributors gone, the Bulls are in transition mode. That can be dangerous - teams with nothing to lose often play loose and aggressive.
But it can also lead to disjointed possessions and defensive lapses. Brooklyn needs to capitalize on that uncertainty early.
Bottom Line
This isn’t a marquee matchup on paper, but it’s a meaningful one for two teams trying to find their footing. For Brooklyn, it’s about building on the positives and seeing who’s ready to step up in a reshuffled rotation. For Chicago, it’s about navigating a new direction after a major roster shake-up.
Tip-off is at 7:30 PM ET on YES Network.