Does Nets rookie Drake Powell play against the Pistons? Latest injury update
The Brooklyn Nets will look for their second win of the season when they host the Detroit Pistons on Friday at Barclays Center. Rookie running back Drake Powell is questionable for the game because of a sprained right ankle.
Powell initially injured his ankle during the Nets’ season opener on Oct. 22 against the Charlotte Hornets. The No. 22 pick sat out Brooklyn’s next five games, but returned during the Nov. 2 matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. however, he re-injured his ankle on a non-contact play after four minutes of action.
Nets rookie Drake Powell is nearing his return from another ankle injury
Powell has missed the Nets’ last two games with an injury. However, the question mark for the Pistons’ game on Friday indicates that he will not be sidelined for an extended period of time.
Powell’s return will add much-needed athleticism and defensive versatility to the Nets’ rotation. Brooklyn has the worst defense in the NBA this season, allowing opponents to score 124.5 points per game on 51.2 percent shooting from the field and 42.0 percent from three. The former North Carolina wing was among the top running backs in the nation during his freshman season and was considered the best athlete in this year’s draft.
While Powell is limited offensively outside of the three-point shot, he excelled as a transition finisher last season. His straight-line speed and finishing above the rim could provide a boost to a Nets offense that is last in transition. Brooklyn is averaging 9.3 fast-break points per game, 2.3 points below the No. 29 Los Angeles Lakers.
The Nets will be without leading scorer Cam Thomas on Friday after injuring his left hamstring during Wednesday’s win over the Indiana Pacers. Thomas sprained his ankle three times in the same season, limiting him to 25 games. Terrance Mann is likely for the Pistons matchup with left shoulder soreness.
2025-11-07 02:54:00
