It’s not a secret the Brooklyn Nets aren’t the same team without Kevin Durant (right Achilles) and Kyrie Irving (right shoulder). With those two sidelined, along with DeAndre Jordan (elected to opt-out after testing positive for COVID-19), Wilson Chandler (elected to opt-out) and Brooklyn’s third big Nic Claxton (left shoulder), the Disney bubble is going to be a battle for the Nets.
However, metrics indicate the Nets have one of the easier slates of seeding games. With Spencer Dinwiddie working to get back on the floor (tested positive for COVID-19) and Caris LeVert ready to go, Brooklyn should be able to compete and secure a postseason spot — especially since the Washington Wizards are without Davis Bertans, one of their top scorers.
Still, ESPN doesn’t think Brooklyn is a big threat going into the bubble.
The Worldwide Leader had a group of over 40 voters — comprised of reporters, insiders and editors — rank the 22 teams entering the restart. After all the votes were tallied, the Nets were the No. 19 team, ahead of only the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns and Washington.
The Orlando Magic, who were half a game behind Brooklyn in the Eastern Conference standings before the restart, were ranked No. 14. One advantage for the Magic is these games will still geographically be home games for them — even though fans won’t be able to attend and they’re still stuck in the bubble like everyone else.
RELATED: Metrics indicate Nets have one of the easier slates of seeding games