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Nets open preseason schedule vs Knicks

By Brian Fleurantin
NBA: New York Knicks at Brooklyn Nets Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

We’re not back yet, but we’re on the way. The Brooklyn Nets underwent a lot of changes this summer and hope to get back on the right track after two difficult seasons. With D’Angelo Russell replacing Brook Lopez as the face of the franchise, Brooklyn will look to speed things up even more.

The opponent tonight will be the New York Knicks. Like the Nets, the Knicks underwent a lot of changes this summer as they look to rebuild with a younger, more dynamic roster. With Carmelo Anthony in Oklahoma City, the franchise is firmly in the hands of Kristaps Porzingis. The Knicks added some perimeter help this summer and now that Phil Jackson and his triangle are back in Montana, the Knicks offense should be more free-flowing.

Where to follow the game

MSG Network has you covered tonight. Tip off is after 7:30. No YES.

Injuries

Allen Crabbe and Caris Levert are both out as they’re dealing with ankle injuries. Neither are seen as serious. Both are day-to-day.

Kristaps Porzingis had been dealing with a sore right knee, but he appears to be fine. Ron Baker has been dealing with a sore left ankle the past few days and probably won’t play tonight. The Knicks rookie, Frank Nitlikina, is questionable with left groin soreness.

The game

We don’t have a clear idea as to what the starting five will be come Opening Night in Indiana, so the next two weeks will be a chance for Nets players to establish their roles and win spots in the starting lineup. The small forward position in particular is one we’ll be watching closely. DeMarre Carroll is coming off of a disappointing 2016-17 with Toronto, and being on the Nets represents a chance to get a fresh start, as well as a bigger role in his team’s offense.

One person to keep an eye on is Jarrett Allen. Allen is someone the Nets are counting on to be a major contributor in the near future, and if he exceeds expectations, could be someone they turn to much sooner than expected.

This will be the second time in a month that Timofey Mozgov will be asked to muscle up Porzingis. In a FIBA Eurobasket game a month ago, the two had a big battle as Russia played Latvia. Mozgov scored 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting, grabbed six rebounds, and blocked a shot in the September 5 matchup. Porzingis had 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting, four rebounds, and three turnovers. He fouled out, but Latvia beat Russia.

For the Knicks, tonight is their first chance to showcase some of the new talent that will look to replace what Melo brought to the team, starting with Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott, both acquired from the Thunder.

What do people think of their chances? Well...

Tough crowd.

You can catch up on the Knicks over at our SB Nation sister site, Posting and Toasting.

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