The Brooklyn Nets face off against the Washington Wizards on Sunday in what many are calling a “tank battle,” with both teams struggling at the bottom of the NBA standings. The Nets enter the game with a dismal record of 1-11, tied with the Wizards and the Pacers for the worst in the league, presenting a critical opportunity in the race for better lottery odds.
Head coach Jordi Fernández emphasized the importance of growth for his team, stating, “It’s a learning process. And it’s not just about the young guys. It’s about the group. It’s about growing together.” He noted that the team’s progress should be measured not just by wins but by the overall development of players like Egor Dëmin, Noah Clowney, and Drake Powell, all of whom are under 21.
Despite the current record, Brooklyn has shown signs of improvement, particularly in their defensive play. After starting the season with a defensive rating of 128.5—the worst in the league—they have managed to lower it to 120.8 in the last five games. Additionally, the team displayed resilience against the Orlando Magic in their most recent outing, holding a 16-point lead before ultimately losing.
On the other side, the Wizards have struggled even more, currently enduring a 10-game losing streak and ranking dead last in both scoring defense and net rating. The presence of last year’s No. 2 pick, Alex Sarr, who is averaging impressive numbers, adds a glimmer of hope for Washington fans, yet overall team performance has severely hindered their progress.
With the NBA’s flattened lottery odds meaning that having the worst record does not guarantee a top pick, both teams are keenly aware of the stakes involved in this matchup. Recent drafts have shown that even teams with the worst records can fall far in lottery selections, making Sunday’s confrontation doubly significant.
In a highly competitive draft class this year, featuring standout prospects such as Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and Duke big man Cameron Boozer, the potential rewards for finishing with a lower record could be substantial. As such, fans will be looking closely at this matchup—not just for a victory but for signs of improvement and potential future stars stepping up for both franchises.
Ultimately, while the spotlight shines on the struggles of these two teams, it also presents a unique opportunity for growth and a chance for young players to make their mark on the season. A matchup filled with low expectations may very well be the stage for the future of both the Nets and Wizards.