Cam

Thomas

Already dealing with a back injury, Thomas pulled up lame during the third quarter of Monday’s win over the Warriors. An MRI revealed the hamstring strain, and the Nets will be without their leading scorer for at least three weeks. Ziaire Williams is worth targeting on waiver wires, and managers who have Cameron Johnson and Dennis Schroder rostered should expect an increase in their scoring opportunities.

Thomas logged 23 minutes on Monday despite an early exit on Sunday because of the back injury. He exited during the third quarter on Monday after appearing to aggravate the injury, and now it will hold him out of this game. Keon Johnson and Tyrese Martin should see some extra minutes in Thomas’ absence, but they won’t be worth streaming on a day with 14 games.

Thomas fell hard on his back towards the end of Sunday’s game against the Kings but wasn’t on Monday’s injury report. He only played 23 minutes against the Warriors, exiting during the third quarter after appearing to aggravate that back issue. Thomas was efficient with 23 points on 11 shots and went 8-for-8 from the free throw line, but the injury is a concern moving forward. Thomas is a streaky scorer who doesn’t provide much in the other categories but can get buckets when he’s on.

Thomas fell hard during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over Sacramento, landing on the small of his back. His absence from the initial injury report means it’s “all systems go” for Brooklyn’s leading scorer.

Thomas came out hot, scoring 22 points in the first half as Brooklyn grabbed control of Sunday’s game. They had to hang on as the Kings made their charge, but the Nets got the job done ahead of Monday’s matchup with the Warriors. As impactful as Thomas was scoring-wise, he had six assists and just one turnover. Improved playmaking will increase his fantasy value and give him a better chance of achieving a significant payday in free agency next summer. Brooklyn plays four games in Week 6. Thomas fell hard during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win but said afterward that he was fine. Consider him questionable for Monday.

Thomas has mostly been known as a scorer, but he was able to set a new season-high for assists in this game. Unfortunately, the extra turnovers came along with it. Thomas has slowed down after an incredible start to the season, and he has scored less than 20 points in four of his last five games. Of course, his 43-point night is sandwiched in the middle there. Thomas continues to be one of the streakiest scorers in the league, though the lows haven’t been quite as low this season. He’ll look to get the scoring back up in Sacramento on Sunday to close out the week.

With Cam Thomas back, Jalen Wilson will be pushed to the bench after logging 34 minutes in their last game. Nic Claxton will continue to come off the bench, with Ben Simmons starting in his place.

Claxton has missed three in a row, and Thomas sat out Tuesday’s narrow win over Charlotte. Both should be back in action against the shorthanded Sixers who will be missing Paul George and potentially Joel Embiid.

Thomas was ruled out shortly before the Nets’ previous game against the Hornets after being listed as probable ahead of tip-off. Brooklyn’s leading scorer is trending in the right direction ahead of the weekend, but Jalen Wilson is among the players most likely to fill in for him if he’s ruled for a second contest in a row.

Initially probable for Tuesday’s game, Thomas was downgraded to questionable and then out. His absence opens up a space in the starting lineup, with Jalen Wilson being tabbed to fill the void. He and Ziaire Williams should figure more prominently in Brooklyn’s rotation.