Nets vs. Pistons preview: Welcome to February

The Nets close out their five game road trip in Detroit against the resurgent Pistons.

Summarized by AI ⓘ

What is the story about?

Left with a W. The Brooklyn Nets took on the Utah Jazz Friday night as part of the second half of a back-to-back. The Nets were shorthanded but got plenty of terrific contributions across the board and came away with a 109-99 victory. The W snapped the team’s seven game losing streak.

It was a particularly good night for Egor Demin who returned to Salt Lake City where he played last season for BYU. He set a couple of records, including the longest streak of games with at least one 3-pointer with 34.

His 25 points and 10 boards marked the first double-double of his career.

The opponent tonight might be the biggest surprise in the NBA. The Detroit Pistons stand on top of the Eastern Conference and are having their best season in decades. They helped the cause with a 131-124 win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. They return home to begin a four game homestand.

Where to follow the game

YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Tip after 6:00 p.m. ET.

🤕 Injuries

Noah Clowney, Ziaire Williams, and Haywood Highsmith are out. Ben Saraf is still with the big club.

Caris Levert is questionable while Cade Cunningham is probable.

🏀 The game

Detroit won the first matchup.

We are on the fast track to the NBA trade deadline! The big day is on Thursday February 5, and the Conference leading Pistons might be in the market for some reinforcements. Could they be turning to Brooklyn for some help? Michael Porter Jr has been floated as an option, but nothing appears imminent on that front as of yet. However, Sean Corp of Detroit Bad Boys wrote about how Porter could help this rising Detroit basketball club:

If the Pistons go big-game hunting, it’s no surprise that Porter Jr. would be at the top of their list. Porter is the most coveted large wing shooter on the trade market, and that checks every box on Detroit’s wish list. He is shooting 39% from three on nearly 10 attempts a game, is a legit 6-foot-10, and has acquitted himself well in the playoffs. He is under team control for one more season beyond this one at $40 million.

Could be a good match!

For now, MPJ will be back in the lineup after sitting out on Friday. He’s hit for 30+ points in two out of the last three games and hit the Pistons for 28 points in the first matchup. Porter Jr is one of the more intriguing trade prospects this season, and if the Nets don’t find a suitable package for him, at least they know that they can count on him being a solid contributor next season and beyond.

In the meantime, he’ll be waiting on Sunday’s announcement of the East’s All-Star reserves.

Brooklyn’s going to be at a big disadvantage on the glass tonight. The Pistons are third in the NBA at rebound rate while the Nets are 24th. Jalen Duren is one of the league leaders in rebounds and one of the most physical players in the league. The Nets are going to need big outings from Day’ron Sharpe and Nic Claxton on the inside if they want to get this win. Limiting second chance points will help the Nets get out on the run while also reducing a Pistons strength.

However, if the Nets want to win, they’re going to have to reverse one season long trend. The Nets are 28th in turnover rate, which is bad enough. Making matters worse is the Pistons lead the NBA in opponent turnover rate, are second in points off of turnovers, and fourth in fastbreak points. If the Nets aren’t careful, they’re going to get run out of the building quickly. Not good.

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Sean Marks and two other Nets staffers were in Lawrence, Kansas, yesterday to watch the faceoff between Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa, generally conceded to be, along with Duke’s Cam Boozer, the prize catches of the 2026 NBA Draft. He and everyone else in NetsWorld have to hope the basketball gods bless the Nets with one of them.

In the end, Peterson outshone Dybantsa but at the same time Jayhawks coach Bill Self held Peterson out the final 16 minutes of the game with leg cramps highlighting his history of nagging injuries.

Brooklyn’s three representatives were the most dispatched to Lawence by 17 NBA teams.

👀 Player to watch: Cade Cunningham

All Star starter, signature Nike athlete, and all around excellent player. This season has been magical for Cade Cunningham and he has plenty of room for even more success coming up. The former number one pick is getting to the free throw line at the highest rate of his career and is also having his best season finishing at the rim as well. He’s fourth in the NBA in drives per game, so look for him to probe and attack early and often. Cade is a midrange maestro and great decision maker. He’s everything you want in a franchise player and this season has to feel incredibly rewarding after all the struggles his teams had to begin his career.

The fun part about watching a rookie have a career best game is wondering how they can follow it up the next time out. Egor Dёmin had career highs in points (25) and rebounds (ten) on Friday night and he’s making a great case to be on one of the All-Rookie teams at the end of the season. Some of his drives really stood out and if he’s able to get to the rim more consistently, it will open his game up. Last nights of a road trip are always tough, but a strong performance would help the Nets properly transition into the month of February.