Brooklyn Nets Face Setback with Cam Thomas Injury
In a setback for the Brooklyn Nets, starting shooting guard Cam Thomas will not participate in their NBA Cup opener against the Detroit Pistons on Friday evening. The young player is grappling with tightness in his left hamstring, an issue he sustained during the Nets’ recent victory over the Indiana Pacers, where his time on the court was limited to just six minutes before he was forced to exit.
Cam Thomas’s Injury History
Thomas has had a troubling history with hamstring injuries; last season, he was sidelined for 57 games due to multiple similar injuries, resulting in him being able to compete in only 25 games. This season, after signing a one-year qualifying offer, Thomas has been a notable contributor, averaging 21.4 points per game, with a shooting efficiency of 40.2% (and 35.6% from beyond the arc) over his eight games, where he plays around 28.3 minutes.
Impact on the Team
With his absence, the Nets will lean heavily on Michael Porter Jr. to maintain the offensive momentum. Porter has been stellar, leading the squad with an average of 22.4 points per outing. He notably scored a season-high of 32 points in the Nets’ first win after a challenging start without a victory in their first seven games.
Roster Updates
In related roster updates, rookie Drake Powell has been upgraded to probable for the match against the Pistons as he recovers from a right ankle sprain; however, his impact has been minimal so far, with just two games played this season totaling 11 minutes. Meanwhile, three other first-round picks—Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf, and Nolan Traore—are currently gaining experience in the G-League with the Long Island Nets.
Positive News for the Nets
On a more positive note, Terance Mann, who was initially listed as probable due to shoulder soreness, is cleared to play. Mann has been a consistent fixture in the starting lineup, participating in all eight games so far, where he is contributing an average of 11.9 points, along with 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
