Brooklyn Nets vs Washington Wizards Prediction, Betting Odds, Picks

• The Brooklyn Nets have had a bit of a New Year lull, going 4-6 over their last 10 games.
• The Washington Wizards continue their climb up the Eastern Conference table!
• The Nets won their earlier meeting with the Wizards this season, 90-104.

Brooklyn Nets vs Washington Wizards Odds

Head-to-Head: Brooklyn Nets vs Washington Wizards

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How can the Nets beat the Wizards?

The Brooklyn Nets are considerably down in terms of available bodies, but the Washington Wizards won’t show them any kindness. As easy as it is to say, they must rely on their two stars to find victory.

James Harden and Kyrie Irving are two of the most dynamic players in the NBA. However where Irving found success in his last game, a team-leading plus-14, Harden struggled, finishing the night with a team-low minus-18.

The pair must find consistency together to take down the Wizards. Already limited in the paint, the Nets must find good opportunities for their perimeter threats.

Nets Key Player: (G) Kyrie Irving

KYRIE IRVING.

pic.twitter.com/hFKev9PnqJ

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 17, 2022

As controversial as a public figure he can be, Kyrie Irving is undeniably a brilliant basketball player. Despite a loss in his last game, Irving was a team leading plus-14 on the night.

Against his old team the Cavaliers, Kyrie Irving posted 27 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds in the loss. Despite only being able to play road games, Irving has showed that he can make an impact.

With Durant out of the lineup, Irving’s individual scoring ability is crucial to the team’s success. How his scoring ability can create opportunities for his teammates will determine if they can keep up with the Wizards in this game.

How can the Wizards beat the Nets?

On paper, many would think that the Washington Wizards are at a decided disadvantage against the star-studded Brooklyn Nets. But through some clever team play, the Wizards could take down the Eastern Conference favorites.

A team effort is exactly what the Wizards relied on when they took down the Philadelphia 76ers in their last game. Assisting on 25 of 42 field goals, resulting in seven different double-digit scorers, made the Wizards incredibly difficult to guard.

Washington’s willingness to do the dirty work and find success in the paint when their shot isn’t falling is key to their success. The blue-collar attitude that Washington have can make up for the perceived lack of skill.

Wizards Key Player: (F) Kyle Kuzma

KUUUUUZ ?@kylekuzma went up and got this one ?#NBAAllStar | @MichelobULTRA pic.twitter.com/A9TOFE4I6d

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 17, 2022

When the Wizards are locking in as a team, they are more formidable than they look on paper. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards’ efforts in their last game, making up for a struggling starting lineup.

In 29 minutes of play, Kuzma posted 15 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks on 46.2% shooting from the field. He wasn’t particularly accurate from three, but his work on the inside more than made up for it.

Against a Nets team that is lacking in the frontcourt, Kuzma can have another great game. Should he have a similar affect on the boards in this matchup, the Wizards could take a win from one of the top teams in the East.

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