The past few NBA regular seasons have been unlike any other, and the 2021-22 campaign is no different.
As a result of a previously postponed game, the Denver Nuggets added a road back-to-back to the beginning of their road trip this week, with the second game taking place in Brooklyn against the Nets.
The Nuggets (25-21) are coming off a narrow 110-105 win over the Detroit Pistons Tuesday night. Nikola Jokić dominated once again, this time to the tune of 28 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists.
Brooklyn (29-18) will also be on the second night of a back-to-back Wednesday following a 106-96 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nets have navigated a plethora of absences throughout the season, including the part-time status of Kyrie Irving, who will not play in Wednesday’s contest at Barclays Center.
TUNE-IN: 6 p.m. MT, Altitude TV and 92.5FM
Avoid fouling
This is easier said than done against a Nets team that ranks fifth in free-throw rate and is led by James Harden. After a slow start on the offensive end, Brooklyn has climbed the ranks in recent weeks and now sits at fourth in offensive rating on the season, per Cleaning the Glass.
Although the Nets rank above league average in each of the other four factors (effective field-goal percentage, turnover percentage, offensive rebound percentage), the team’s ability to get to the charity stripe regularly plays a key role in fueling their offense. The main driver of those trips is Harden, who averages 8.1 free throw attempts per game this season.
To their credit, the Nuggets have been very good at avoiding fouls this season, ranking seventh in opponent free-throw rate on the year.
Attack the offensive glass
While Brooklyn has been climbing the ranks on the offensive end, the Nets have slipped on the other end of the floor during this stretch and entered Tuesday’s action with the 18th-ranked defense. A key area where Brooklyn is vulnerable is on the defensive glass, as the Nets rank 25th in opponent offensive rebound percentage.
Despite their struggles on the offensive glass this season (the Nuggets rank 26th in offensive rebound percentage), Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets should look to take advantage of Brooklyn’s struggles on the defensive glass. If Denver can successfully generate second-chance opportunities throughout Wednesday’s contest, it will go a long way in keeping up with the Nets’ elite offense.
Attack in transition
Another area where Denver can look to take advantage Wednesday night in Brooklyn is in transition. The Nets have been a solid defensive team in halfcourt sets but rank towards the bottom of the league when it comes to defending in transition.
Opponents have been able to take advantage of Brooklyn’s mistakes and push the pace for easy points, something Denver should look to do if they want to pull off the road win. The Nets rank 24th in opponent frequency of plays beginning in transition and 25th in opponent points added per 100 possessions through transition.
Even with Wednesday’s game being the second night of a back-to-back, look for the Nuggets to push the pace when the opportunities arise.