The New Jersey Nets haven't entered many games as the heavy favorites, but that's exactly what they are facing Sunday night against the Charlotte Bobcats at the Time Warner Cable Arena. The Nets struggled for most of the season, but have played better basketball of late winning three of their last six and have gotten center Brook Lopez back from injury while the Bobcats are a league-worst 4-30, including a terrible 2-12 at home.
One of the major reasons for the Nets turnaround is their new found health. Head coach Avery Johnson has rarely had more than nine or 10 players available to him, but against the Bobcats will have 12, including center Brook Lopez in his fifth game back from a broken foot and backup point guard Jordan Farmar who has missed four straight.
Last time out New Jersey fell short against the Boston Celtics on the road, 107-94. Lopez led the Nets with 28 points while rookie MarShon Brooks, Anthony Morrow and newcomer Gerald Green all added 11. Green has been particularly impressive in his two games with New Jersey after a promotion from the D-League.
Charlotte has lost seven straight at home and four overall, including a 102-72 beatdown by the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. Corey Maggette and Boris Diaw both scored 14 for the owner of the league's worst offense.
In their first meeting on Jan. 22, a shorthanded Nets squad took out the Bobcats, 97-87.
You can watch the game locally on YES or listen on WFAN 660 with tip scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
After another day off, the Nets will wrap up their five-game road trip against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.