Before taking off for a trip to London, the New Jersey Nets will try and pick up their first win of the Deron Williams era Monday night at the Prudential Center in Newark against the Phoenix Suns. It will be the home debut for Williams, who has averaged 14.5 assists over his first two games as a Net.
The Nets have dropped five straight and eight of their last 10, including a 123-108 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Brook Lopez led the way for New Jersey in defeat with 21 points, seven rebounds and a game-high three blocks. Rookie Ben Uzoh had a career-high 18 in just 22 minutes of action while Williams had his second straight double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds.
Jordan Farmar left Saturday's game in the first quarter with an ankle injury that will sideline him for 7-10 days. To make sure they have more than rookie Ben Uzoh behind Williams, New Jersey signed PG Sundiata Gaines to a 10-day contract. Gaines backed up Williams for a short time last year in Utah.
The Suns come into Newark winners of their last three games. Monday will be their second game of a back-to-back after Sunday night's 110-108 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Grant Hill exploded for 34 points against the Pacers, while Marcin Gortat scored 17 off the bench.
New Jersey will see two very familiar faces in Vince Carter and Robin Lopez. Carter played four and a half seasons for the Nets and Robin Lopez is the twin brother of New Jersey center Brook.
Once they wrap up with the Suns in Newark, the Nets take off Tuesday for a trip to London where they will play two "home" games against the Toronto Raptors at the famous O2 Arena.