Nets' SHOCKING Injury Report Reveals 3 Key Players OUT—Will This Cost Them the NBA Cup Against Celtics?

The Brooklyn Nets faced another setback in their rocky start to the 2025-26 NBA season, suffering a tough loss to the Boston Celtics just two days after securing their second victory against the Washington Wizards. This early phase of the season has been challenging for the Nets, compounded by a series of injuries that show no signs of subsiding.

On Thursday, the Nets announced that rookie guard Ben Saraf will remain sidelined due to a left ankle sprain, expected to keep him off the court for at least the next week. With Saraf unavailable, head coach Jordi Fernandez is likely to turn to guards Egor Demin, Terance Mann, and reserve player Tyrese Martin to manage point guard responsibilities during Friday's NBA Cup game against the Celtics.

In addition to Saraf's injury, the Nets will also miss guard Cam Thomas and forward Haywood Highsmith, both of whom are dealing with injuries of their own. Thomas is recovering from a left hamstring strain, which has plagued him before and raises concerns about its recurrence this season. Highsmith is still on the mend from offseason surgery on his right knee, with expectations that he could be out until at least December.

A notable aspect of the Nets' injury report is the reassignment of rookies Nolan Traore and Danny Wolf back to the G League after their brief appearances in the Nets' 113-99 loss to the Celtics on Tuesday. Though both players took the floor in the final minutes, their limited involvement underscored the struggles the team has faced, particularly in the closing moments of tight games.

As the Nets prepare for their matchup in Boston, they are likely to field a starting lineup of Demin, Mann, Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney, and Nic Claxton. However, this combination has shown vulnerabilities, registering a concerning -13.2 net rating, with an offensive rating of 113.8 and a defensive rating of 127.0. For the Nets to find success against the Celtics, adjustments will be essential, both in strategy and execution.

The Nets' situation highlights the broader challenges faced by teams in the NBA, particularly those dealing with injuries to key players. With an early season that has seen fluctuating performance and mounting obstacles, the focus will be on how the Nets can adapt and overcome as they strive to find their footing in a highly competitive league.