W2W4: Phoenix Suns vs Brooklyn Nets March 17th, 2014

barclayscenter.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

March 17th, 2014

W2W4: Phoenix Suns vs. Brooklyn Nets

Pre Game News and Notes

The Brooklyn Nets will be back home after a tough loss to the Wizards in Washington on Saturday night, as on Monday they will be hosting one of the biggest surprises in the NBA in the Phoenix Suns, who are coming off a win against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. The Nets head into Monday’s game with a (33-31) record, which is 3.5 games behind the Raptors in the Atlantic Division.

Match-Up of the Game: Goran Dragic vs. Deron Williams

The Suns were supposed to be NBA’s worst teams this year, but with the great play from their Point Guard Goran Dragic, they are looking like a possible playoff team. Dragic is coming into Monday’s game averaging 20.5 points, 6.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. For Deron Williams he will have his hands full with Dragic, as Williams has struggled a lot in the last two games besides one clutch shot in Miami. In the loss to the Wizards, who have a great Point Guard in John Wall, Williams shot just four of 14 from the field.



- Home-Court

In the Barclays Center the Nets have been very good especially of late, and with a nice opportunity to gain a half of game against the Raptors, it makes Monday an important game. The Suns proved most recently on Sunday that they can win on the East Coast, as they scored 121 points against the Raptors, but as the Nets know second half of back to backs can be tricky for a team. The Suns are sitting one game behind the Memphis Grizzlies in the ultra tough Western Conference, so every game means a lot to them if they are going to get into the eighth seed. 

- Make It Nine

Kevin Garnett will be missing his ninth straight game for the Nets due to back spasms, so once again it will be Mason Plumlee in the starting lineup. Mason won’t be the only Plumlee in the game, as his brother Miles is on the Suns, and playing very well for them. Mason’s brother Miles is averaging 8.5 points, and 8.1 rebounds per game. It is likely the two brothers will be guarding each other a bit in this game, which should be fun to see who wins that battle.