NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 4: Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 4, 2025 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
Couldn’t make it three. The Brooklyn Nets led after three quarters on Thursday night against the Utah Jazz, but a terrible fourth quarter stopped them in their tracks as the Jazz won 123-113. It was the Nets’ fifth game in seven days, and it showed.
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The opponent tonight has been mired in a deep slump. This season has not gone according to plan for the New Orleans Pelicans and they find themselves at the bottom of a hyper competitive Western Conference. Their losing streak hit five after a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 4.
Where to follow the game
YES Network on TV. Gotham Sports on streaming. WFAN on radio. Tip after 5:00 p.m ET.
Injuries
No Cam Thomas or Haywood Highsmith. Noah Clowney is probable with back soreness. Michael Porter Jr is back after missing Thursday’s game. Nolan Traore, who scored 30 points on 10-of-13 shooting for Long Island Friday night, remains with the Nets affiliate who play the 76ers affiliate at 6:00 p.m. ET on the G League’s official website. No word on the availability of the Nets two two-ways, Tyson Etienne and E.J. Liddell. They also played for Long Island.
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No Herb Jones, Jordan Poole, Dejounte Murray, or Zion Williamson. Vyes Missi is questionable.
The game
As I’m sure you noticed, Zion Williamson is out once again. He’ll be out the next few weeks with an adductor strain. Even taking that into account, it might be time for the Pelicans to get out of the Zion Williamson business. As the amazing Shamit Dua wrote over at In the N.O.:
“This isn’t about injuries anymore. You cannot build a coherent team, develop chemistry, or install systems when your central piece is a perpetual question mark. Coaches can’t plan for him. Teammates can’t build trust with him. The entire organization is forced into a holding pattern, waiting on one man’s availability. Even when he plays, the results haven’t moved the needle—this isn’t a team on the cusp of contention. It’s a team stuck in a slow, steady squeeze that drains the life out of every season.
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The environment has become toxic. There is a constant cycle of anticipation, absence, and drama that overshadows everything. At some point there has to be limit to which the Pelicans can stay in this pattern. Unfortunately, the Zion cycle has gotten to the point where toxicity now outweighs any remaining hope.“
When it’s time, it’s time. It also doesn’t help that ownership is not focused on the right things.
For the Nets, they’ll try to clean up their turnover woes. The team coughed it up 18 times, and most critically seven in the fourth quarter. It took what was a winnable game and made it out of reach. With Egor Dëmin feeling a bit better, that should help the Nets’ ballhandling immensely.
The game will also be the final one in Brooklyn’s grueling five games in seven days stretch. After the Pels game, they’ll have six days off till they face the Mavericks and Cooper Flagg next Friday.
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Speaking of rookies, New Orleans’ rookies are giving the the fanbase plenty to feel good about. Jeremiah Fears has gotten more comfortable in each game and currently leads all rookies in drives per game. Fears has been a key part of interim coach James Borrego’s push to have the team play faster and get out more in transition. The Pels are laying down a good foundation, and Fears’ efforts are a big part of that.
The other rookie has shined as well. It cost a TON to bring Derik Queen in, but the kid has done well in his minutes. He fills up the stat sheet, but is most effective finishing at the rim. For the Nets, the duo of Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton will look to make things hard on Queen. Clowney was terrific on Thursday and did a tremendous job of drawing fouls and playing through contact. Considering how short handed New Orleans is, if Clowney can force the issue, he’ll make things even tougher on the road team.
Player to watch: Trey Murphy III
The team is in need of a new franchise player, and maybe Murphy can be that player. He’s taken on more responsibility on offense in the past two seasons, and he’s done well considering the tough circumstances. He’s good for 20 points a night on quality efficiency and can make things happen for himself on an individual level. As Joe Dumars and the Pelicans try to figure out what the future holds, Murphy III will play a big role whether he stays or goes.
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Michael Porter Jr. being back should help things out. MPJ is also good for 20+ points a night and unlocks so much of the Nets offense while he’s on the court. He can score on the move, he’s a solid catch and shoot player, and has been a source of encouragement for his younger teammates. This season is all about exploration and maybe the Nets have stumbled into something exciting for the future. Stranger things have happened!
From the Vault
Ones in the air for Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
Also, one more week before the GOAT hangs it up for good
More reading: In The N.O., SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter
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