Kevin Durant (R) and Kyrie Irving joined the Nets this season
There was a lot of hype surrounding the Brooklyn Nets during the off-season as they landed Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
Durant will miss most of this season with an Achilles injury, after helping the Golden State Warriors to multiple NBA titles.
The Nets sit 2-4 this season and lost their last game against the Detroit Pistons 113-109.
Zion Williamson was the one name that everyone wants to see in the NBA, but the Pelicans star has been injured for most of the season.
New Orleans picked up several players in the Anthony Davis trade and they have adjusted well to their new surroundings.
However, they are 1-5 after a poor start despite having Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Jrue Holiday and JJ Redick on the roster.
The presence of Irving should be enough to take the Nets past the .500 mark, however, they just can’t seem to click into gear.
A meeting with the struggling Pelicans gives the Nets an opportunity to get their season back on track, and it will be interesting to see how they perform.
This NBA season has already seen several shocks so far, and the Pelicans cannot be completely ruled out from this clash.
Irving has to be selected for any game featuring the Nets.
The former Boston Celtics star just needs to step up more to get his new team over the line.
Irving recorded a triple-double in the previous clash and should be partnered by teammate Spencer Dinwiddie, who got 16 points off the bench.
Joe Harris should be one of the shooting guards for this game after his 18 point performance against the Pistons.
The Nets star should see Redick also feature in the team with the Pistons shooter racking up 17 points in the previous clash.
Ingram has done pretty well since joining the Pelicans in the off-season.
The former Lakers star is averaging 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game (h/t NBA).
Taurean Waller has done a remarkable job this season at the Nets and had another great night against the Pistons.
The forward scored 20 points in the game, but needs to up his rebound and assist numbers.
DeAndre Jordan recorded a double-double in the loss to the Pistons and should get some points thanks to his work on the board.
Jahlil Okafor also did well in the previous game for the Pelicans, and will provide tough opposition to Jordan.
Irving has to be selected as the star player for this game thanks to his form in the season.
The Nets should have enough in them to get past the Pelicans in this clash.
Both teams can score big points and it shouldn’t be a surprise if this ends up as a high scoring game.
Selections, fantasy tips and predictions are based on historical data related to the team. It is advisable to conduct additional research close to the game for more accurate team news and player availability.
Several factors were taken to build this team, however, individuals should have their own ideas for player selection as this piece only provides some guidelines.
Image credits: Getty, AFP, Bongarts, (Dream 11 for team line-up)