As 2019 begins the Brooklyn Nets are just 1 game back from the Detroit Pistons for the 8th seed in the East. The Nets are also just 2 games back from the 6th seed, so there is a lot that can happen in 2019. The Nets, Hornets, Heat, Pistons, and Magic will all be fighting for 3 playoff spots in 2019. This is the first time since Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson that the Nets have won 17 games before the start of a new year. The Nets accomplished a lot in the latter half of 2018, and will need to accomplish more for a shot at the post season.

The Nets lost their last 2 games in 2018, a back to back in Charlotte and Milwaukee. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson suffered a right adductor strain in the game in Milwaukee which will cause him to miss some time. This is a devastating blow to the Nets because RHJ is their best defender, as he guards the opponents best played in crunch time. RHJ is the guy that lines up against Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, and Kemba Walked at the end of games. He is crucial to the team, and his absence will defiantly hurt the Nets. DeMarre Carroll and Jared Dudley will need to step up in his absence. I would not be surprised if Kenneth Faried begins to get some playing time in his absence.

Spencer Dinwiddie and D’Angelo Russell will need to carry the load for the Nets in 2019. Both players are capable of dominating games, and they need to carry this Nets team into the playoffs. Dinwiddie is coming off of 2 bad games in a row, and will need to go back to being himself in 2019. Dinwiddie was fantastic in 2018 and look for him to continue that play in 2019. D’Angelo Russell was also very good in 2018, and will need to continue to play good in 2019 for the Nets to make the playoffs. 2019 could be Russell’s last stint with the Nets, so he will be prepared to give everything he has to the Nets. 2019 should be a fun year for the Nets, and I cannot wait to watch

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