The final stretch of the season can be brutal for rebuilding teams like the Brooklyn Nets. With just 20 games left, the postseason is nearly out of reach, and focus shifts from the players on the court to potential draft picks.

Some fans are even openly hoping for losses, aiming to improve the team’s lottery odds for top prospects like Cooper Flagg.

However, the Nets’ chances of landing the best odds 14.5% are slim. Realistically, they’re more likely to end up with a 10% shot, the probability for the team with the fifth-worst record.

Brooklyn has now dropped five straight games, each loss seemingly worse than the last by different metrics, and they are spiraling toward the bottom of the standings.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors come to town as one of the NBA’s hottest teams, boasting a 9-1 record since acquiring Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline.

Only the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have strung together their third 12-game win streak of the season, are on a better run.

Expect a packed Barclays Center. Few teams aside from perhaps the Lakers can match the star power Golden State brings with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and now Butler.

Where to Watch

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on the YES Network.

Injury Report

Brooklyn has one of the healthiest rosters they’ve had all season. Only Noah Clowney (ankle) and DeAnthony Melton (torn ACL) remain out.

There’s also a chance that Dariq Whitehead, Tosan Evbuomwan, and newly signed two-way player Tyson Etienne will be on the bench, as Long Island doesn’t play again until next Tuesday.

For Golden State, Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) is still sidelined but is expected to return once the team heads back to San Francisco. Gary Payton II (nose) is listed as probable.

The Game

A bright spot for Brooklyn is that Cam Thomas and D’Angelo Russell will start together in the backcourt for the second consecutive game.

They had a slow start against the San Antonio Spurs, with the Nets falling behind by seven points in the first quarter while they were on the floor. However, they helped spark a 10-0 run in the second.

Both logged over 25 minutes but struggled with their shooting, combining for 12-of-30 from the field and 6-of-21 from three. Expect them to find more rhythm tonight.

Golden State, on the other hand, has no concerns about draft position or shaking off rust. Since trading for Butler, they’ve transformed from play-in hopefuls to a legitimate playoff threat.

The Warriors sent Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick to Miami in exchange for Butler. While it wasn’t quite as blockbuster as Luka Dončić landing in Los Angeles, Golden State has made the most of the move.

As Golden State of Mind put it:

“For Golden State, this matchup presents an opportunity to complete a spectacular 4-1 road trip and cement their transformation from play-in participants to playoff locks. The Warriors are now 9-1 with Butler in the lineup, and the Curry-Butler pairing has evolved from theoretical ‘what if’ to devastating reality.”

That same article also humorously described Thomas and Russell as the Nets’ “version of a Splash Brothers tribute band.” A fair comparison. Expect Butler and Green to take turns defending them tonight.

Player to Watch: Jimmy Butler

It’s no secret that Butler would have considered the Nets in free agency had he not been traded and signed a two-year, $121 million extension with Golden State. Brooklyn, however, wasn’t interested—both due to his age (he turns 36 next season) and financial considerations. While Butler had claimed money wasn’t necessarily a deciding factor, it always plays a role.

Should anyone be surprised by the impact Butler has had on the Warriors? Absolutely not. He has made a career out of elevating teams with his relentless effort. His individual stats haven’t changed much from his final days in Miami, but alongside like-minded stars like Curry and Green, he’s helping turn Golden State into a serious contender once again.

A recent Warriors video highlights how Butler’s presence affects the game beyond just the numbers. It’s just what he does—help teams win.

Will Butler Share His Thoughts on the Nets?

Should we expect to hear from Jimmy Butler about how he viewed the Nets as a potential destination? Hopefully. It would be interesting to get his perspective.

From the Vault

One of the standout moments from the recent All-Star Game in San Francisco was the NBA’s choice to feature Tony Bennett’s iconic anthem for the city—I Left My Heart in San Francisco. It’s a classic that never loses its charm.

So, for all the Bay Area transplants filling Barclays Center tonight and for anyone who appreciates a masterful rendition of a song here’s a tribute to Anthony Dominick Benedetto: legendary singer, talented painter, decorated war hero, dedicated pacifist, and unwavering civil rights advocate.

Warriors fans suggest franchise make bold Klay Thompson move after devastating injury

When Klay Thompson made the difficult decision to leave the Golden State Warriors, he likely never imagined the situation he now finds himself in with the Dallas Mavericks.

The veteran sharpshooter was eager to play alongside Luka Doncic, only for the franchise star to be shockingly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers before the midseason deadline.

At least Thompson still had the chance to team up with former Finals rival Kyrie Irving, right? But that, too, is no longer the case after the nine-time All-Star suffered a devastating torn ACL against the Sacramento Kings on Monday.

With star acquisition Anthony Davis along with fellow big men Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford also sidelined, the Mavericks are now on the brink of missing the playoffs, despite making an NBA Finals appearance less than a year ago.

Could the Warriors and Klay Thompson Reunite?

Not only does this season appear to be slipping away for Dallas, but the challenges will continue into next year, as Irving is expected to miss the majority of the campaign assuming he re-signs in free agency.

This raises major questions about the Mavericks’ future, particularly for veteran players like Thompson, who recently turned 35.

Suddenly, less than a year into his three-year contract, speculation is swirling about Thompson’s future. Even Warriors fans have begun to wonder whether the five-time All-Star could make a return to Golden State this offseason.

I really wouldn’t be surprised if Klay is a warrior again this summer.

At the least, he won’t be on the mavs.

— Gary (@GaryFromTheBay) March 4, 2025

Sucks that Klay left for a team that doesn’t even look remotely similar to the vision he bought into, especially when Klay with this Warriors roster would unlock it to another level

— Emily Kate (@_PickEm) March 4, 2025

Could Klay Thompson’s Time in Dallas Be Short-Lived?

While a return to the Warriors seems highly unlikely at this point, the idea of Thompson being traded elsewhere isn’t far-fetched, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the Mavericks.

Does he want to stick with a team that sold him a vision that has yet to materialize largely due to their own decisions?

As for Golden State, Thompson could still have a role in a team now surging toward a playoff spot. It’s not hard to imagine the franchise legend being an upgrade over Buddy Hield, considering he’s shot 40.1% from three on 7.7 attempts per game with Dallas this season.

However, the same concerns from last year would still apply—would Thompson accept a reduced role, particularly if it meant coming off the bench and not closing games? How would that impact his morale and presence in the locker room?

These are questions that don’t need immediate answers, but if the Mavericks continue down this disappointing path, don’t be surprised if Thompson’s future becomes a major talking point in the offseason.