Nets Seek First Win Against Eastern Conference-Leading Pistons

The Brooklyn Nets will try to earn their first win of the season when they face the Detroit Pistons on October 30 in an NBA Cup group-stage game in New York. Detroit enters at 4-1, atop the Eastern Conference, while Brooklyn is 0-4 and 15th. The Pistons are favored by 7.5 points, with the over-under set at 225.5.

Brooklyn is coming off an overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, a game in which Mikel Brown Jr. scored 17 points and had five assists. His three-pointer sent the game to overtime, but he missed a layup in the extra period. Michael Porter Jr. made six of 12 attempts from three-point range. The Nets will look to Julius Randle and Porter to keep producing as they build chemistry.

Egor Demin is listed as day to day with a leg injury in the matchup information; a preview of the game says he will be out with a right-leg bone bruise. Nolan Traore could enter the starting lineup, while Brown may take on a larger role. Moe Wagner could also see more playing time after contributing with his shooting, post play and passing.

Detroit beat Charlotte 97-89 after losing to the New York Knicks the previous night. Jalen Duren is out with a hamstring injury, and Isaiah Joe is day to day with a hip injury. Paul Reed is expected to start in Duren’s place. Brooklyn will need to contain Cade Cunningham’s drives and account for Detroit’s three-point threats, including Duncan Robinson. The Nets’ season record last year was 20-62; Detroit finished 60-22.