The Brooklyn Nets were without two key players on Friday night, as center Nic Claxton and forward Cam Johnson both sat out due to injuries.
Claxton is dealing with a left ankle sprain, while Johnson is nursing a left calf contusion. Both injuries occurred in the Nets' season-opening loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said that both Claxton and Johnson are day-to-day, and neither has been ruled out of Monday's game against the Charlotte Hornets.
"Nic is in a boot today," Vaughn said before Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. "He's doing a little bit of movement stuff, but he's not really out of the boot yet. Cam is day-to-day. He felt a little something in his calf yesterday, so we're just being cautious with him."
Claxton's absence was particularly noticeable against the Mavericks, as the Nets were outrebounded 51-35. Johnson is also a key rebounder, and his absence was felt as well.
The Nets are hoping to get both Claxton and Johnson back in the lineup soon, as they are two of the team's most important players. Claxton is a rim protector and rebounder, while Johnson is a versatile defender and shooter.
In the meantime, the Nets will need to rely on other players to step up. Day'Ron Sharpe will likely get more playing time at center, while Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons will need to shoulder more of the rebounding load.
The Nets will also need to find ways to score without Johnson's shooting ability. Johnson is one of the team's best shooters from three-point range, and his absence will make it more difficult for the Nets to space the floor.
The Nets are hoping to get back to .500 with a win over the Hornets on Monday. However, they will need to find ways to overcome the absences of Claxton and Johnson if they want to be successful.
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