Brooklyn expects Drake Powell to return ‘soon’ despite third sprained ankle
The Brooklyn Nets don’t expect Drake Powell to be sidelined for an extended period with his latest ankle injury. Powell missed Sunday’s win over the Toronto Raptors and will not play Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers after suffering his third sprained right ankle of the season.
Despite this, Jordi Fernandez said the Nets are not worried and expect the rookie to return “soon.”
Powell missed most of the offseason due to tendinopathy of the left knee. He then sprained his right ankle twice in the first two weeks of the season, missing six games. However, he has been impressive in a steady rotation role since his return.
Nets rookie Drake Powell is not expected to miss an extended period with a sprained ankle
Powell has played over 10 minutes in 15 games this season. The 19-year-old averaged 7.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists on .475/.378/.952 shooting in 21.3 minutes per night across all those appearances.
After Powell was carted off the court during Sunday’s 96-81 win over the Toronto Raptors, rookie Nolan Traore got his first extended NBA minutes in almost two months. The French floor general showed promise during this opportunity, posting eight points, three rebounds, two assists and one turnover on 3-of-9 shooting in 22 minutes.
Traore should see another opportunity Tuesday against the 76ers, with Powell ruled out.
Sophomore rookie point guard Ben Saraff could also see some minutes after the Nets called him up from the G League. Saraf scored 40 points on 14-of-26 shooting from the field and 6-of-10 from three during the Long Island Nets’ win over the Oklahoma City Blue on Monday at the G League Showcase.
2025-12-23 02:30:00
