Cam Thomas Makes Return as Nets Face Blazers Friday Night

Brooklyn, NY — Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Cam Thomas is poised to make his long-awaited return to the court on Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, following a nearly two-month recovery from a hamstring injury. Thomas, who has not played since January 2, was recently removed from the injury report, creating anticipation ahead of the game at Barclays Center.

The 23-year-old was having an impressive season before his injury, averaging 24.7 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 46.1% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc. His absence has left the Nets struggling offensively, as they averaged just 100.7 points per game since his injury, one of the lowest in the league.

The Nets currently sit at 21-37 and are 1.5 games out of the final playoff play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. The return of Thomas comes at a pivotal time when the team is looking to elevate its performance and push for a postseason berth. “Getting Cam back is huge for us, not just for the scoring but for our overall confidence,” said Nets coach Jordi Fernandez.

Despite speculation surrounding potential trades before the deadline, both Thomas and fellow player Cameron Johnson remained with the team. The Nets emphasized a need for stability and the intent to make a playoff push this season. The team previously traded away several players, aiming to reshape its roster, but is currently focused on maximizing the potential of the players they retained.

Thomas’s return comes just as the Nets are hoping to end a two-game losing streak, following a narrow 129-121 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, where they squandered a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. “We need to execute better and reduce the turnovers; we had our chances,” Fernandez noted after the loss.

Looking ahead, Thomas’s integration back into the lineup will be crucial. His scoring prowess and ability to create his own shot bring a much-needed dynamic to Brooklyn’s offense, which has struggled in recent outings. “We need to feed him the ball early and get him involved,” said Fernandez.

Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers, currently 26-33, enter the game on a three-game winning streak. Their latest victory, a 129-121 road win over the Washington Wizards, featured a standout performance from Shaedon Sharpe, who scored a career-high 36 points. His performance, along with contributions from Anfernee Simons, positioned Portland as a team to watch.

The matchup is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. EST. The Nets aim to leverage their home court and regain momentum in the playoff race with Thomas back in action.