After going 1-1 through their first two games in Sacramento, the Brooklyn Nets will close out their California Classic three-game slate tonight, squaring off against the Golden State Warriors.
And unlike yesterday, this is going to be a noteworthy game for fans to tune in to, as Miklel Brown Jr., Brooklyn’s No. 6 overall pick and their highest pick since they left New Jersey, will be making his Summer League debut. He’s also likely to be paired with what many Nets fans hope will be the organization’s
back court of the future.
Joshua Jefferson, the Nets’ other first-round pick from June’s draft cannot yet play since the trade bringing his pick in the 2026 Draft has yet to be finalized. Erik Slater was first with the news fans have been waiting for since the Draft nearly two weeks ago.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
Where to watch
While at first it was believed that the game could only be found on the Gotham Sports App, tonight’s matchup, just like Brooklyn’s first two clashes, is also available on NBA TV, ESPN+, NBA League Pass and Prime.
The game
For the California Classic, the Warriors have two teams, so there would be an equal number of squads playing in the first edition of the Summer League. Those teams include “Warriors Gold” and “Warriors Blue.”
Today, the Nets will face their blue team.
Warriors Blue are 0-2 throughout their first two games, losing 91-85 to the Sacramento Kings and 97-83 to the Milwaukee Bucks, whom the Nets beat, 89-69 yesterday without Brown, Jefferson, Egor Demin, Ben Saraf, Drake Powell, Danny Wolf, Tyler Bilodeau, and Chaney Johnson.
Despite that, though, all of those players will be active today with the exception of Jefferson and Wolf who still has some back soreness.
The Nets will not be facing Golden State’s 2026 first-round selection, Yaxel Lendeborg. He is on their gold squad. However, they are expected to go against the organization’s second-round pick, 6’7” wing Lajae Jones out of Florida State.
Without the Nets’ two-ways and seven first-round draft picks over the past couple of years, there was a perfect opportunity for Exhibit 10 players and Summer League invitees to earn premium minutes and showcase their skill sets.
The Nets have at least three players on E10’s, Ben Humrichous, Duke Brennan and Dion Brown, each stood out in different areas on Sunday. The signings have not been officially announced. Exhibit 10 contracts are essentially camp invites.
Humrichous was electric from beyond the arc, knocking down 5 of his 12 attempts from beyond the arc (41.7%) while drilling three in the first quarter alone. He ultimately finished the night with 15 points, two steals, an assist, and eight rebounds.
Brennan, 6’10”, collected a double-double, finishing the game with 10 points, 12 rebounds (including five offensive boards), a block, and a steal.
As for Brown, the 6’3” guard collected three steals, six rebounds, eight assists, and nine points on 44.4% shooting from the field.
All three will likely spend training camp and the preseason with Brooklyn before heading to Long Island for the G League season. However, strong Summer League performances throughout their eight remaining games could keep the door open.
The Nets still have one two-way remaining, and although there have been some reporting that Grant Nelson will get it. The 7-footer played for Brooklyn last year before coming down with a foot injury from which he is still recovering. However, nothing has been announced unlike the two-way deals signed by Johnson and Bilodeau.
Their fit will be worth watching today, especially with Brown Jr. in the fold and more of Brooklyn’s regular Summer League rotation also in action.
At this time of year, wins and losses frankly don’t matter. It’s more about development and how Brooklyn’s young pieces continue to grow, making it intriguing to see which players rise and fall while others sustain their level of play.
- Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets
- Golden State Warriors Game Notes – Golden State Warriors
