The New Jersey Nets will finish their first back-to-back-to-back of this lockout shortened NBA season on Monday night when they take on the Chicago Bulls in the United Center. New Jersey so far has handled their first of two grueling stretches well with a close loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and a 97-87 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.
The Nets have now won three of six after starting the season 2-11 and will get a solid test against a Bulls, despite Chicago dealing with plenty of injuries. MVP Derrick Rose (toe), Joakim Noah (ankle), Luol Deng (wrist) and Taj Gibson (ankle) are all banged up and question marks Monday. Chicago has yet to lose a game at the United Center this season.
While improved play by a healthy Deron Williams and MarShon Brooks has fueled New Jersey, they are still without Brook Lopez (foot), Damion James (foot) while Shawne Williams (shin) and DeShawn Stevenson (knee) play through pain.
Chicago will be part of the Nets next back-to-back-to-back as well next month, but will be New Jersey's first opponent instead of the third. The other two teams will be the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks.
New Jersey dropped three of four against Chicago last season and haven't left the United Center with a victory the last three matchups.
You can see the game locally on YES or listen on WFAN 660 with tip schedule for 8:00 p.m.
After a much needed day of, the Nets head to Philadelphia to take on the Sixers on Wednesday night.