Nets’ Thomas Completes Full Five-on-Five Session; Injury Notes on Powell, Celtics’ Gonzalez and Raptors’ Mamukelashvili
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Brooklyn guard Cam Thomas took part in a five-on-five workout Saturday, Dec. 20, without any setbacks, head coach Jordi Fernández told reporters. The 23-year-old has missed all but eight games because of a left hamstring strain suffered Nov. 5, when he exited after 5:35 of action. Prior to the injury, Thomas was averaging 24.4 points and 2.9 assists while shooting .408/.356/.875, highlighted by a 41-point outing against San Antonio.
Fernández did not provide a target date for Thomas’ return but called the full-contact practice “an important hurdle.” Brooklyn entered Sunday’s matchup with Toronto at 7-19, the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference.
Powell’s Latest Ankle Issue
Rookie wing Drake Powell logged just 3:56 in Thursday’s loss to Miami before spraining his right ankle, the third such injury this season. Fernández said he is “not concerned” and expects the 2024 No. 22 pick back “soon.” Powell has appeared in 19 games, averaging 6.0 points in 17.7 minutes, while hitting 37.8% from deep and converting 20 of 21 free throws.
Gonzalez Impressing in Boston
Hugo Gonzalez, selected 26th overall in June, has become a valuable member of Boston’s wing rotation. The 19-year-old Spaniard recorded his first NBA double-double in Saturday’s win over Toronto before foul trouble shortened his night. Coach Joe Mazzulla praised Gonzalez’s energy, saying the rookie is learning “how to be super aggressive versus defending without fouling.”
Mamukelashvili Finds Stability With Raptors
Sandro Mamukelashvili is enjoying a breakout year in Toronto after signing a two-year, $5.5 million deal over the summer. The versatile big is posting career highs in points and assists while shooting 39.8% on 3.1 three-point attempts per game. His contributions have been vital with starting center Jakob Poeltl intermittently sidelined; Poeltl left Sunday’s game against Brooklyn early due to back stiffness. Toronto began the day with the East’s fourth-best record.
Source: Hoops Rumors
