Brooklyn Nets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's matchup against Atlanta. This strongly indicates that he will be ready to play in the season opener despite missing the preseason with a hamstring injury. Claxton should be out to prove his worth right away after getting a four-year, $100 million contract from the Nets in the summer. However, considering he's just back from injury, the team could elect to limit Claxton's minutes in the opener. This would put Noah Clowney in a good position to perform, as the Nets lack alternative frontcourt options.

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) is trending in the right direction and is expected to play in Wednesday's season opener against Atlanta. Claxton missed the preseason due to a hamstring issue but has had a chance to rehab the injury for a few weeks now and should be good to go on Wednesday. Claxton averaged 10.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks against the Hawks a season ago and could have even more fun on Wednesday night, as Atlanta's bigs have been troubled by health issues. Clint Capela (ankle) was hurt near the end of preseason, and Onyeka Okongwu missed most of the preseason action while recovering from a toe procedure, making only one 16-minute appearance.

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) won't be available for Friday's preseason matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Claxton continues to deal with hamstring soreness that has sidelined him throughout the preseason. Despite that, Claxton is expected to be ready to play for the beginning of the regular season. That is great news as Claxton has been a viable option for the Nets over the last two seasons. He averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 29.8 minutes per game last season. The Nets are limited in terms of options at the center spot with Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring) also sidelined right now. That means, Noah Clowney would see his value skyrocket if Claxton isn't cleared for the beginning of the season.

Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton was unavailable for Tuesday's preseason clash with the Lakers due to mid-back tightness. Melton had featured in all four preseason games until Tuesday. He's knocked down threes at a good rate while being a defensive pest. Melton also stood out on Sunday versus Detroit with seven assists, showing he has the potential to be a good backup option at point guard behind Stephen Curry. The six-year veteran should also see minutes at the shooting guard spot, although there's a lot of competition, with Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, and Moses Moody all wanting their piece of the cake. The Warriors have one more exhibition game to go, facing the Lakers in a rematch on Friday.

Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (hamstring) had a strained hamstring confirmed on Monday at the same time that teammate Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring) received confirmation for a more severe hamstring strain. Watford is expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks compared to the six-week timeline that Sharpe received. The center and power forward spots are where the Nets are the thinnest, so Watford will likely receive added opportunities when he returns. For now, Noah Clowney and Ben Simmons will probably see some added minutes in the preseason along with Ziaire Williams.