We have an interesting game slate tonight between two middle-of-the-road teams in the East. However, some of the most interesting conversations may not be around this game tonight, as the Brooklyn Nets have made it clear that everyone is available on this team. There is a lot to unpack, including our top prop bets for the game tonight!
The Eastern Conference has been weird this year. We expected slightly more out of Charlotte up to this point with a 5-8 record. They haven’t come out of the gates hot, possibly due to some injuries, the roster being so young, or their lack of size. Regardless, this team has had some fun moments, mainly led by LaMelo Ball. He has been incredible, leading this offense in almost every aspect, scoring nearly 30 points a game on reasonable efficiency. Unfortunately, he has been on a bit of an island with his offensive success. His two other co-stars, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges, both regressed early this year. Neither has shot the ball well, allowing the Hornets to slip behind in games routinely. They could be in a tough match squaring off the overachieving Brooklyn Nets.
Brooklyn has been a surprise early this year. This is a team some questioned would even hit the 20-win mark, but early this season, they’ve already squeaked out five wins. Not that they’re pushing toward the top of the Eastern Conference, but we have seen plenty of inspired play from this tossed-together roster. Cam Thomas has been a scoring machine, putting up 24 a game on excellent shooting splits. Alongside him, this team's defense has been solid with Ben Simmons, who is finally back on the court. His defense is back, but his offense is still nowhere to be seen. This roster wasn’t built to compete, but they’ve managed to win some games and stay close in most, which is impressive. We still think the Hornets have the better team in this matchup, but it could go either way.
Brooklyn doesn’t seem to be attached to this team at all, with pretty much the entire team up for trade. Specifically, Cam Thomas’s name has been circulated by NBA front offices as a cheap young spark plug scorer with whom the Nets are willing to part ways. This could be huge for teams like the Lakers or Bucks, who desperately need a scoring boost.
It’s not just Cam Thomas; if the price is right, the Nets will be willing to make a deal. This could see the Nets turn into the clearance section of the NBA, which could have far-reaching implications. With other names like Nic Claxton, Dennis Schroder, Cameron Johnson, and Dorian Finney-Smith all being potential valuable additions to contenting rosters, the Nets might be able to build up a war chest of assets. It all depends on the price, though, and with the season so young, we’re unlikely to see much action in the trade market soon. However, we’ll update you on rumors or movements soon!
LaMelo Ball 30+ Points: LaMelo may have one of his most challenging assignments against Ben Simmons tonight. However, we still think he’ll put up numbers. Beyond Simmons, this Net’s backcourt is a mess on defense. Schroeder and Thomas aren’t slowing anyone down, and if Ben Simmons ends up switching or on a different defense assignment, LaMelo could run wild!
Cam Thomas 25+ Points: Cam has been cooking this year. This Hornets roster is small, and Grant Willaims has been starter at the center for them. With Mark Williams and Nick Richards out, the rim protection should be minimal. So if Thomas can get past his man, he’ll be able to pick up some high-quality looks throughout the game. The 25 mark might be high, but we think it’s due, considering he has done it 3 times already this year.
Ben Simmons Over 6.5 Rebounds: With Ben Simmons effectively playing Point Center tonight, he could clean up on the boards. The 7-board mark is low for him as he’s had multiple nights with over ten boards. Especially with the Hornets lacking any size tonight, Simmons should have a clear path to all the rebounds he can get his hands on!