Nic Claxton Injury: Iffy for Friday from

Nic Claxton Injury: Nets Big Man To Be Evaluated; Iffy for Friday

Update on Nets Center Nic Claxton

The Brooklyn Nets may be without starting center Nic Claxton when the team opens their season at home on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 6-foot-11 Claxton missed the Nets' final three preseason games with a non-COVID illness. Jacque Vaughn, the Nets' head coach, said Claxton is expected to be re-evaluated on Friday to determine his status for the game. The Nets are not planning to rush Claxton back from the illness so there is a chance he may miss the season opener. "We'll see where he is at the end of the week," Vaughn said. "I think he's trending in the right direction. ... He's feeling better, but we just got to make sure that he's feeling well enough to where he's not putting himself in harm's way." The Nets will have some options in the middle if Claxton can't play. Day'Ron Sharpe, a second-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, got the start at center in the three preseason games that Claxton missed. He averaged 6.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in those games. The Nets could also use Edmond Sumner or Royce O'Neale at the center spot. Sumner started 10 games at center for the Pacers last season, while O'Neale started 14 games at center for the Jazz. The Nets are hoping to have Claxton back in the lineup as soon as possible. He is a key part of their defense and is a developing offensive player. Claxton averaged 8.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game last season. His presence in the middle would be a big boost to the Nets, especially on the defensive end.