Early Struggles, Injury Updates Highlight Atlantic Division Storylines
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Brooklyn, NY / Philadelphia, PA / New York, NY — A rocky opening week for several Atlantic Division clubs has produced a mix of concern, opportunity and standout performances.
Nets fall to 0-4 as Fernandez questions effort
The Brooklyn Nets were routed in Houston on Monday, surrendering 42 first-quarter points on the way to their fourth straight loss. Head coach Jordi Fernandez criticized the team’s intensity afterward, saying the group “cannot decide” when to bring urgency and must avoid “taking an NBA game for granted.”
Brooklyn’s lineup remains heavily tilted toward youth: seven of the 12 players who logged minutes in Houston are younger than 25, and three others are 26. First-round rookies Drake Powell and Danny Wolf were inactive after being assigned to Long Island of the G League to recover from ankle sprains, while fellow 2025 first-rounder Egor Demin missed the game with plantar fascia soreness.
Fernandez expects Powell and Wolf to join the NBA roster after getting “real practices” in the G League once fully healthy. An NBA agent told the New York Post the franchise must balance its draft positioning goals with maintaining a positive culture, warning that prolonged tanking can “erode the environment” a team hopes to build.
Oubre’s all-around night boosts unbeaten Sixers
Philadelphia’s 3-0 start has largely been attributed to guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, but head coach Nick Nurse on Monday spotlighted forward Kelly Oubre Jr. after a 25-point, 10-rebound showing against Orlando. Nurse praised Oubre’s defensive versatility and work on the glass, calling it “one of Kelly’s best games as a Sixer.” The 29-year-old is in the final season of an $8.38 million contract.
Philadelphia will also add depth on Tuesday in Washington when forward Trendon Watford, sidelined since training camp with a right hamstring strain, makes his team debut.
Knicks keep Robinson sidelined
New York center Mitchell Robinson will miss his fourth consecutive contest due to left ankle injury management, the team announced. The Knicks have not indicated that the 26-year-old suffered a setback, but he has yet to appear in a game this season.
The three clubs resume play Tuesday night, with Brooklyn hosting Detroit, Philadelphia visiting Washington, and New York traveling to Cleveland.
Source: HoopsRumors
