Brooklyn Nets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

The Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard D'Angelo Russell, forward Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. In exchange, forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton will head to the Lakers. Russell has seen his playing time and production take a hit this season. He's averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 26 minutes per game this season. It's unclear how Russell is going to fit into the Nets rotation. Ben Simmons has been starting at point guard and Cam Thomas (hamstring) should be back soon. Russell is likely to come off the bench in Brooklyn, but maybe a change of scenery will help him get back on track. As for Lewis, he hasn't played much this season and figures to have a minimal role off the bench.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell (thumb) looks ready to return to action on Saturday versus Sacramento, with the team listing him as probable for the game. Russell sprained his left thumb at the start of the week and sat out a matchup against Golden State on Christmas Day. However, it appears that his absence will be limited to only one game. The Lakers will need all the help they can get on Saturday, as LeBron James (illness), Anthony Davis (ankle), and Rui Hachimura (illness) are all considered questionable for the contest.

Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (hip) will not take the court on Friday against San Antonio. Johnson produced a big 29-point performance with 8-for-13 shooting on Thursday versus Milwaukee but also hurt his right hip in the contest. With Johnson out, we should get a larger dose of Tyrese Martin, and Jalen Wilson should continue to play a big role in the rotation. Wilson has logged 30-plus minutes in back-to-back games, but shooting woes have limited him to only 12 total points. He's disappointed fantasy managers but will likely continue getting opportunities, as there aren't many alternative options.

Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (hip) is suffering from a hip contusion and has been tagged as questionable ahead of the team's Friday night game against the San Antonio Spurs. The 28-year-old just led the team to a big upset win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday with 29 points, five rebounds, and three assists. If he's unable to play along with the eight other names listed on the injury report, Noah Clowney, Jalen Wilson, and Shake Milton should all see some added minutes. Clowney and Wilson would make the better streaming options since they've been in the rotation longer.

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Cam Thomas (hamstring) will remain on the shelf for Thursday's game against Milwaukee. It was announced earlier this week that Thomas has progressed to five-on-five action in practice. This is a sign that the talented scorer is nearing his return. However, Thursday's game comes too soon for him. Following Thursday night, the Nets have two more games to come this week, which might include Thomas' comeback. Keon Johnson, Tyrese Martin, and Shake Milton should continue to see rotational minutes during Thomas' absence.