Egor Demin Nears Return as Nets Face Pelicans

Egor Demin practiced with Brooklyn on Tuesday in Dallas and is expected to have a chance to play against the Pelicans in New Orleans on November 11. The Nets listed the guard as probable after he took part in practice and an additional workout to test how his leg felt, coach Jordi Fernández said.

Demin sustained a bone contusion to his right leg in Brooklyn’s October 27 loss to Boston. He has missed six games. The 6-foot-8 guard’s absence has deprived the Nets of a secondary ball-handler and added size in the backcourt.

Before getting hurt, Demin was averaging 7.8 points, 2.8 assists and 2.3 rebounds, while shooting 31% overall and 28.6% from three-point range. Those figures were below his rookie-season numbers, and his two-point shooting had dipped after progress in summer league.

Forward Noah Clowney could also return after sitting out since Sunday’s loss in Dallas, where he fouled out after 7 minutes and 47 seconds. Fernández said Clowney needs to manage his emotions. Michael Porter Jr. said the forward’s move from starting 60 games last season to a different role has affected him, but that he can help Brooklyn when he is in the right frame of mind.

Fernández also pointed to the Nets’ effort in a recent loss to Atlanta, saying the team’s running intensity fell from a season high in the first quarter to a season low in the fourth. Brooklyn is monitoring workload and rotations as it considers how to address that drop. Traore’s status is uncertain because of soreness in his right calf. Yves Missi and Trendon Watford are out for New Orleans, while Trey Murphy III is probable.