The Nets are 2-6 against .500 teams. They have been missed arguably their best player — Ben Simmons — and arguably their best scorer — Cam Thomas with no date set for their return. Their big off-season signing, Cam Johnson, is struggling after missing the whole preseason and seven early season games.
They are also missing an identity, as Sunday’s game vs. the Sixers showed. They were supposed to be a defensive juggernaut. They aren’t, now ranking 22nd in the NBA. Offensively, after a strong start, they rank 13th. Mikal Bridges is still putting up strong numbers in most categories, even he wonders about team chemistry.