The Nets’ next two games could play a key role in determining the team’s draft position

The Brooklyn Nets have shifted their focus to draft positioning during the second half of 2024-25. After turning to a rebuild this summer, the team is seemingly dedicated hard tank during the past month, trading Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith. Brooklyn has been cautious with recent injuries, as Cam Johnson, Cam Thomas, D’Angelo Russell and Ben Simmons all missed extended stretches.

The Nets have exceeded expectations early this season, winning nine of their first 20 games. However, a 1-7 record amid a roster shake-up and injury struggles puts them within striking distance of a top-five pick in next June’s draft lottery. Brooklyn is halfway through the game Portland Trail Blazers for sixth place in the lottery standings and three games back Utah Jazz for the fifth.

The Nets next two games are against Utah and Portland. Both road games could prove crucial in determining their position in the draft lottery.

The Nets’ upcoming two-game stretch could help determine draft lottery position

Three months into the season, the lottery landscape began to take shape. The Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans and Toronto Raptors hold the top three positions, who have a 14.0 percent chance to become No. 1. The Charlotte Hornets, Jazz, Nets and Trail Blazers sit in the 4th-7th spots, respectively.

Climbing to the top of that second tier will be key for Brooklyn if they hope to secure a top-4 selection. The Nets have spent much of the last few weeks at No. 7, which has a 32.0 percent chance at a top-4 pick and a 7.5 percent chance at No. 1. However, those odds increase to 42.1 percent and 10.5 percent for the No. 5 spot and 48.1 percent and 12.5 percent for the No. 4 spot.

With Portland and Utah directly behind and ahead of Brooklyn, the next two games could push the Nets forward or back.

How the Nets handle injuries to their key players during the two-game stretch could significantly affect the outcome. Cam Thomas has been ruled out for Brooklyn’s road trip after re-injuring his left hamstring. While Ben Simmons returned for Friday’s 124-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Cam Johnson (sprained right ankle) and D’Angelo Russell (contused right calf) remained sidelined.

Johnson has missed the Nets’ last four games, while Russell has missed the last three. Head coach Jordi Fernandez said Friday that both players were day-to-day.

Utah has won two of its last four games. However, the Jazz will be on the second night of back-to-back games against the Nets, as they will be face the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday. Jordan Clarkson (left plantar fasciitis), John Collins (left hip injury) and Keyonte George (left heel inflammation) have been ruled out for the Suns game.

Meanwhile, Portland has won four of its last eight games. The Trail Blazers will face the Miami Heat on Saturday and have the day off before meeting the Nets on Tuesday.