The Brooklyn Nets finally broke through at home, snapping a nine-game skid at Barclays Center with a 116-103 win over the Charlotte Hornets. It was their fourth win of the season and a much-needed confidence boost. But just as they start to build some momentum, the road throws another challenge their way - and this time, it comes in the form of injuries.
As the Nets prepare for a road matchup against the Chicago Bulls, they’ll be without veteran forward Terance Mann, who’s dealing with soreness in his right ribs. Mann also missed Monday’s win against Charlotte, and Wednesday’s game will mark his second absence of the season after suiting up for Brooklyn’s first 19 contests.
Mann, 29, has been a steady presence in the rotation this season, averaging 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 44.5% from the field and 34.5% from deep. His ability to fill gaps on both ends of the floor and provide secondary playmaking has been valuable for a Nets team still trying to find its identity under new head coach Jordi Fernandez.
With Mann sidelined Monday, Fernandez turned to guard Tyrese Martin for a spot start. But Martin struggled to make a real impact, logging just 19 minutes and finishing with five points, two boards, and three assists. It wasn’t a standout performance, but with Mann still out, Martin is expected to get the nod again in Chicago - largely because he can initiate the offense and allow rookie Egor Demin to play more off the ball, where he’s shown flashes of comfort.
Martin’s minutes could again be limited, though, especially if Fernandez leans into the youth movement. Rookie forwards Drake Powell and Danny Wolf saw increased run against the Hornets, and both brought energy and length to the floor. Powell’s versatility on the wing and Wolf’s size in the paint give the Nets some intriguing options as they navigate these injury absences.
And those absences are stacking up. Along with Mann, Brooklyn will also be without Cam Thomas (hamstring) and Haywood Highsmith (knee) for Wednesday’s game. Thomas, in particular, has been one of the team’s primary scoring threats when healthy, so his continued absence leaves a scoring void that others will need to fill.
Rookie guard Nolan Traore remains unavailable as well, still on assignment with the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate. That opens the door for more minutes at the NBA level for young players like Wolf and fellow rookie Ben Saraf. With the rotation thinned out, Fernandez has little choice but to lean on his younger guys - and so far, they’ve responded with effort, if not always polish.
The Nets are still very much a team in progress, trying to piece things together amid injuries and lineup shuffling. But wins - especially ones that break frustrating streaks - can go a long way in building belief. The road doesn’t get easier, but Brooklyn’s young core is getting trial by fire, and the experience they’re gaining now could pay dividends down the line.