On Sunday, the Nets have to face the always challenging Denver Nuggets. But Brooklyn has one more matchup before taking on Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic again: the Charlotte Hornets.
Actually, oddly enough, the game against Denver is sandwiched between a pair of games against Charlotte, first on the road, then back at Barclays Center on Wednesday (December 11).
As the Nets try to stay over .500 after their slow start to 2019-20, they have to take both of these games. The close proximity of the matchups does make things more challenging, but Brooklyn has to find a way to win both games against the Hornets. They truly can’t afford to take the night off in either game.
Now, an added emphasis on winning these games isn’t because the Hornets are inclined to steal a game or two. Of course, any win is helpful, but the issue is Brooklyn has a tough slate ahead.
In addition to Denver, the Nets visit the Toronto Raptors, then host the Philadelphia 76ers. Then, after four winnable games, the Nets face six playoff-caliber teams over the span of seven games, including the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat.
Knocking off lesser opponents is always a must, but when there’s a daunting stretch on the horizon, good teams always take advantage of the weak spots in their schedule — which is exactly what both games against the Hornets are for the Nets.
