Why isn't Cam Thomas playing tonight vs. Pistons injury update

Joseph Kallan

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Why isn't Cam Thomas playing tonight vs. Pistons injury update image

The Brooklyn Nets are listing Cam Thomas as OUT ahead of tonight’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Thomas exited within the opening minutes of Wednesday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers due to a hamstring injury. The setback not only ruled him out for the rest of the contest but has now sidelined him indefinitely.

Before the injury, Thomas was off to a strong start this season, averaging 21.4 points on 40.2% shooting from the field and 35.6% from three. However, he’s contributed just 2.6 assists per game across his eight starts, a reflection of his continued scoring-first role. Still, Thomas has been doing everything in his power to enjoy playing basketball again, especially with Brooklyn’s playoff chances slim and the franchise’s rebuild appearing more imminent by the day.

For the Nets, his absence arrives at the worst possible time. The team has already taken multiple hits to its depth, with Ben Saraf and Drake Powell sidelined for tonight’s contest. Without Thomas, Brooklyn remains without a primary point guard capable of consistently creating ball movement within the offense.

Michael Porter Jr. Has unexpectedly stepped into the lead facilitator role, averaging 22.4 points and 8.4 rebounds through seven starts. Even more surprising, center Nic Claxton currently leads the team in assists, despite never averaging more than 2.2 in any previous season. His expanded role has been a bright spot amid Brooklyn’s offensive challenges.

Having picked up their lone win of the season against Indiana, the Nets are hoping to build some momentum against a feisty Detroit team — one that sits second in the Eastern Conference with a 6-2 record. While Porter Jr. Is likely to continue handling much of the creation, rookie Egor Demin could be in line for his first start as he slowly finds his footing in a Nets uniform.

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Editorial Team