Nets 2026-27 season betting odds: Win total pick, best bets and outlook
Jordi Fernandez and the Nets know all too well what it’s like to spend time in the shadow of their crosstown rivals. While all eyes remain on the Orange and Blue’s bid for a repeat, Brooklyn has slowly shifted its culture.But before we put championship aspirations on the table, it’s safe to say the Nets haven’t been competitive for a while. In fact, it’s been insufferable: Brooklyn has finished 11th or worse in the East for three consecutive seasons. Ever since posting a 45-37 mark and securing the sixth seed in 2022-23, Brooklyn has regressed sharply, following up with a 32-50 record to land 11th, a 26-56 mark for 12th, and a miserable 20-62 campaign that left them 13th a season ago.Losses, however, bring an NBA organization an insane amount of draft capital and the flexibility to make moves. The Nets have stayed one step ahead, and aside from the five draft picks from the notorious Mikal Bridges trade, their roster will also feature some new names. For starters, Julius Randle joined the fold via a huge four-team deal that sent Nic Claxton to Chicago, LaMelo Ball to Minnesota, and Naz Reid to Charlotte. After an underwhelming playoff showing with the Timberwolves, the veteran is eager to show how his skill set complements Michael Porter Jr.The latter is coming off 52 games in his Nets debut season, solidifying his role as the top scorer with averages of 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3 assists, shooting 46-36-85. Rounding out forwards who may potentially crack the rotation are Noah Clowney, Josh Minott, and rookie Joshua Jefferson.
Gone are Jalen Wilson and Ziarie Williams, who measured closer to wings than bruisers. This is key because the Nets’ new defensive identity, installed by Fernandez, demands physicality and versatility, something Clowney and Minott can bring nightly. Day’Ron Sharpe and veteran Mo Wagner man the center position, with Wagner signing in the offseason after spending a couple of seasons in Orlando. The backcourt is e...