On January 24, Beijing time, the Nets challenged the Timberwolves away, and Irving and Harden led the team and did not win. The final result of this 4-in-4 consecutive journey is 2 wins and 2 losses, and this result is acceptable. But the next fixtures get tough, why? Because it was 2 home games that followed, and it was back-to-back. What's even more difficult is that Irving can't play, only relying on Harden to lead the team, can he withstand the impact of the Lakers?
Although the Lakers are not in good shape at present, they have 3 All-Star players such as James, Westbrook and Davis. In addition to the Nets' inability to play Irving, Durant and Joe Harris could not play, and their combat effectiveness was greatly weakened. The Lakers lost to the Heat and ushered in a comeback with thick eyebrows, and definitely want to usher in a victory. Nets 2 straight losses? Westbrook pulls the crotch, Harden if you slash 40+3 doubles or win! Thick eyebrows comeback to help Zhan Huang.
Wills pull the crotch
Westbrook's form this season has also been terrible, but is it really his fault? Last season at the Wizards, he played very efficiently and felt a bit back to the top, averaging 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game, shooting 43.9% from the field and 31.5% from three-point range. However, after coming to the Lakers, it began to slump again, mainly because there was no tacit understanding with James and no chemistry. Although many people are reluctant to say it explicitly, Wei Shao certainly can't play his own characteristics and style in the Lakers, and can only become a "fixed point shooter".
Against the Heat, Westbrook played well, shooting 9-of-15, with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists, and three turnovers. However, this season's Westbrook is a good one, pulling a crotch, and almost no two consecutive games have played well. Therefore, facing the Nets, whether Wei Shao pulls his crotch is the key to affecting the game.
Harden if he cuts 40+3 doubles or wins
In this game, if the Nets want to win, Harden must stand up and play his due state. According to the current situation, it is necessary to cut 40 points + 3 doubles to ensure a win. In the Christmas game, the Nets challenged the Lakers on the road, and Harden led the team alone. In that game, Harden cut 36 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and finally defeated the Lakers. So, this game faces the same situation.
However, the Nets' lineup this time is even more uneven. In the Christmas game, the Nets also have center Clarkston, with a goal from James, which is the key goal to determine the direction. Due to the impact of the hamstring injury, Clarkston was still unable to play, leaving only the 36-year-old Ade and rookie Sharp on the inside.
Thick eyebrows comeback to help Zhan Huang
There's also bad news for the Nets, and that's that thick eyebrows may be coming back. According to Marc Stein, Thick Brow will return in the next game against the Nets. However, Lakers officials have not yet given an accurate message. But, after the game against the Heat, James mentioned the comeback of thick eyebrows, saying: A comeback of a genius like AD will definitely motivate the team, but it can't put pressure on him. However, we are looking forward to fighting with him. In fact, James is looking forward to a comeback and can help the team win.
The Nets' internal strength is already very weak, and if the thick eyebrows come back, it will be even worse. Therefore, a Harden is not enough to compete with the Lakers 3 giants. If thick eyebrows don't make a comeback, the Nets may still have a chance.
Recently, Harden's personal mood is also not right, perhaps dissatisfied with the team. After losing to the Timberwolves, he said this after the game: I admit that against the Timberwolves' defense and in the fourth quarter, I was a bit negative and I will be responsible for it. Recently, the US media has been rumoring that the Philadelphia 76ers are eager to get Harden and plan to let Ben Simmons trade again this summer, targeting only one person, that is, Harden. Therefore, this season is likely to be the last season of Irving, Harden and Durant, and it will fall apart without winning the championship.