The upcoming encounter with the Charlotte Hornets brings excitement and challenge to the Brooklyn Nets, who are currently on a three-game winning spree, enjoying a 9-8 record and a good position in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets, with star point guard LaMelo Ball being injured as well, is a relatively weakened team to confront as they have a 5–11 record. Regardless, the Nets are keen on the prospect of winning but have their injury worries with Ben Simmons, who is far from being fully fit. Everyone wonders if Simmons will play against the Hornets tonight in this crucial contest.

The possibility of Ben Simmons joining

Despite their recent successes, the Nets find themselves managing a roster with injury uncertainties. Ben Simmons, a pivotal player in their lineup, is inching closer to a return, engaging in light individual work with the medical team. While Dennis Smith Jr’s return is still questionable, it offers the potential to create more playmaking from the bench.

On the other hand, rookie Noah Clowney has a slight shoulder injury worsening the preparations of the team. However, this list contains Cameron Thomas listed as probable. This could be an enormous boost for the offense.

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The offensive strength of Brooklyn was exhibited when five of its players scored more than 15 points each in a game of 115-103 against the Toronto Raptors recently. In the last three wins for the Nets, they have managed to score more than 112 points and keep their opponents below the mark of 110 points – a clear case of defensive resilience.

The Hornets’ challenge without LaMelo

The Hornets will miss LaMelo Ball during his stay on the sideline and will have to reassign responsibilities among the rest of the players. The young players that will fill in for Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, and rookie Brandon Miller need to shine. Recreating LaMelo’s impact needs the whole team, even with Rozier anticipated to take charge as the primary passer.

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The game becomes even more significant because Spencer Dinwiddie and Mikal Bridges will have to play against the Hornets’ offense. Without their star, the Hornets will have the opportunity to do the unthinkable in the face of the Nets during a stormy night.