Live Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets at Utah Jazz, 10:00 PM EST

Boy are the Utah Jazz a really, really good basketball team. So are the Nets, of course, but consider that the Nets will be without Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and maybe James Harden when they suit up on Wednesday night.

Yikes.

Hey, but we will have Nic Claxton suiting up - so, basically, that’s like having 4 superstars in the lineup.

Help might be on the way? Right around the corner (i.e. tomorrow) is the TRADE DEADLINE. Let’s go.

Join the NetsDaily team on Wednesday night for a live Trade Deadline conversation and a preview of Nets vs. Jazz on Clubhouse.

We are Live at 9:15pm EST until tip off.

Details:

WHO: Brooklyn Nets (30-14) at Utah Jazz (31-11)

WHEN: 10:00 PM EST

WHERE: ESPN (national), YES (local), WFAN (radio)

Game Preview.

We mentioned campaigns for awards yesterday as it related to Damian Lillard, but our friends in Utah are looking to get in on the fun as well. Rudy Gobert is a contender to win Defensive Player of the Year (quick side note: he ain’t getting no damn MVP award. Don’t set yourself up to get disappointed on that) and his impact on that side of the ball has been outstanding for years. Tavan Parker of SLC Dunk has more on Gobert’s campaign here.

The Nets bigs will have their hands full on the inside. Utah is the second best rebounding team in the league and rebounding hasn’t been one of Brooklyn’s strong points this season. That said, can we stan Nicolas Claxton some more?!?!?! The young fella was amazing last night as his 16 points and nine rebounds stand out on the box score, however his defense against Dame Lillard in the last minute helped preserve the W. He’s earned a spot in the team’s closing five and his athleticism, ability to switch onto elite guards, and finishing at the rim will make him a crucial part of Brooklyn’s postseason dreams.

For more on the Jazz, check out SLC Dunk.