Nets to have Noah Clowney, Ziaire Williams available against Lakers

Nets to have Noah Clowney, Ziaire Williams available against Lakers

Briefly

"Clowney is averaging 13.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists across 43 games this season, while Williams is averaging 9.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 34 appearances. Clowney had missed five straight games with a sprained lower back. The issue was initially listed as back soreness before the team clarified it as a lower back sprain, and he missed four games while the Nets allowed the injury to settle before ramping him back up toward game readiness."

"Williams has missed the past three games with a left calf contusion suffered late in a recent loss to the Phoenix Suns. After attempting to play through the discomfort, the Nets elected to hold him out to allow the calf to heal fully rather than risk aggravating the injury. Neither absence was considered long term, but both affected the Nets' ability to maintain their preferred defensive matchups and lineup combinations."

"Clowney's role has grown this season because of his size, rebounding and ability to space the floor while still defending multiple positions. He has been used in a variety of frontcourt combinations and provides flexibility in both traditional and small lineups. Williams supplies energy on the wing, helps in transition and offers defensive versatility against opposing perimeter scorers. His cutting and off-ball movement also help maintain spacing in Brooklyn's halfcourt offense."