The New Jersey Nets, playing again without guard Deron Williams, trail the Milwaukee Bucks 53-42 at halftime of their Saturday night game.
Marshon Brooks and Sundiata Gaines got the nod as starters in the backcourt for the Nets, and while Brooks has struggled (he was held to just five points), Gaines has impressed early with nine points on 4-5 shooting. Gerald Wallace has chipped in eight points and six rebounds.
The Bucks, who are clinging to life in the Eastern Conference playoff race, have been paced by guard Brandon Jennings, who finished with 16 points to go along with five assists.
Milwaukee needs a string of good fortune to fall in their favor during the regular-season's closing days in order to make the playoffs, and a win tonight versus the Nets would push them one step closer.
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