The New Jersey Nets will try to rebound from Saturday's loss to the Miami Heat when they take on the Atlanta Hawks at the Prudential Center Monday night. In the early stages of this shortened season, this is already the third time these two teams are meeting.
Atlanta first made the trip to Newark for the Nets home opener and promptly destroyed New Jersey by nearly 40. The second meeting was five days later in Atlanta when it was closer, but the Hawks still prevailed by six. This time they meet again on the Nets turf, but New Jersey is still shorthanded, playing without Brook Lopez, Mehmet Okur and Damion James.
Rookie MarShon Brooks told reporters he is about 85 percent right now due to an ankle injury and that he's played through much worse in the past. Look for him to play more than the 24 minute he logged against the Heat.
Deron Williams is fighting through a sore side, but was able to start and contribute a team-high 39 minutes vs. Miami. Helping to take the load off Williams has been Kris Humphries. He's come back from a shoulder injury stronger than ever, putting up his third double-double against the Heat including 25 points and 12 rebounds.
Atlanta won't be at full strength for the matchup. Forward Marvin Williams sprained his ankle over the weekend and didn't make the trip to the Prudential Center.
The Nets have lost eight of the last ten against the Hawks. Opening tip is schedule for 7:30 and you can see the game locally on YES. It's the first game for New Jersey since minority owner Jay-Z and wife Beyonce welcomed baby Blue Ivy Carter into the world. Maybe the baby girl can bring some luck to the Garden State.
Next up for New Jersey is a West Coast trip starting on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets.
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