No one knows just who will be playing for them this week, but the one thing we do know is that the New Jersey Nets will play three games this week as they take off for their second West coast swing of the season.
The Nets have lost seven of their last eight, but all the news surrounding the team involves the possible acquisition of Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets. With eight current New Jersey players rumored to be involved in the trade, the entire roster could be turned over at any moment.
No matter who has the jerseys on, the Nets will start their week on Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns. There they will be welcomed by a familiar face that was recently involved in a blockbuster trade of his own in Vince Carter. The new-look Suns have struggled, losing seven of their last 10 games including a 25-point setback at home to the New York Knicks.
Up next on the West coast for New Jersey is a date with the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. After a tough stretch, Phil Jackson seems to have his team straightened out as they are entering the week with a four game winning streak while winning six of seven.
The Nets will be looking to avenge a 99-92 loss to the Lakers on December 12.
Wrapping up the week will be a Saturday night matchup in Portland against the Trailblazers. Sitting near the bottom of the Northwest division, the Blazers have been inconsistent all season while dealing with injuries. In fact, Portland is responsible for one of the Nets 10 victories this season, a 98-96 nail biter on November 28.
Brook Lopez continues to lead the way for the Nets with 18.2 points per game, though he is still struggling to pull down rebounds. So much so that head coach Avery Johnson, when asked if he was dreaming about Anthony, said he dreams "about our center getting 10 rebounds".
Kris Humphries is the Nets best rebounder with 9.2 boards followed Lopez grabbing 5.9 and rookie Derrick Favors right behind him with 5.1 in less than 19 minutes per game.
Here are the stats for the rest of the Nets.