The New Jersey Nets were looking forward to giving the fans in Newark another look at their new point guard Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors, but Deron Williams is currently halfway across the country. The All-Star's wife is giving birth to the couple's fourth child in Dallas and will keep him away from the Prudential Center at least for two games.
Even without Williams, the Nets will try to build on their modest two-game winning streak. Both wins came last weekend in London against the Toronto Raptors, including a marathon 137-136 victory in triple overtime on Saturday.
Brook Lopez led the way for New Jersey on offense during their international trip, averaging 29.5 points, while Kris Humphries controlled the glass with 17 rebounds in each game. Williams turned in another pair of double-doubles, something he has been able to do in every game as a Net to this point.
While the the home fans will see a "New Look Nets," it's not exactly what they expected. Starting in place of Williams is Jordan Farmar, who has been dealing with an ankle he sprained just prior to New Jersey's trip to London last week. With small forward Damion James still out with a concussion, Sasha Vujacic will slide into his spot. The rest of the starting lineup remains the same with Anthony Morrow, Lopez and Humphries.
Hopefully the Nets brought some offense back with them from London, because the Warriors sure know how to fill up the box score. At 102.7 points per game, only six teams average more than Golden State.
The Warriors are coming off a 95.85 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. Monta Ellis finished with 24 points, while his sidekick Stephen Curry added 23 to help Golden State pick up their 28th win of the season.
The Nets are 15-16 at the Rock this season, while the Warriors are 9-22 when playing away from Oakland.
Golden State has dropped six of their last eight overall, but have taken six in a row over New Jersey, including a 109-100 victory on Jan. 17.
Up next for the Nets will be the Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night in Newark.