The Brooklyn Nets have not had the kind of January that they were hoping for after a dominant December that saw them show their potential on the defensive end of the floor. Brooklyn responded well in their 130-126 double overtime loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday, but they came away from that game with some injuries that they’ll have to deal with.
The Nets announced on Saturday that guards Cam Thomas and Nolan Traore are out for Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Clippers due to various reasons. For Thomas, he is dealing with a left ankle sprain that he picked up in Friday’s loss to the Celtics while Traore is dealing with an illness that will take him out of action for the first time in over one month.
Thomas put up seven points (2-of-8 shooting from the field, 0-of-2 from three-point land), two rebounds, and four assists in 19 minutes off the bench, but he did come down awkwardly on his ankle in the second half. Thomas continued to play after coming down awkwardly and appeared to be fine after some time passed, but it looks like the injury was worse than it looked initially.
Traore, on the other hand, had arguably his strongest game of the season as he finished Friday’s loss to Boston with 21 points and three rebounds in 37 minutes off the bench. Traore played the most minutes that he’s played in a game this season after earning a steady role in head coach Jordi Fernandez’s rotation so the hope is that the illness he’s dealing with won’t keep him down for long.
Forward Noah Clowney, who has been having a tough January to this point, is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s at Los Angeles as he is dealing with back soreness. Clowney took some tough falls in a physical game against the Celtics so if he is unable to play, that could pave the way for someone like Ziaire Williams or rookie Danny Wolf to enter the starting lineup.
Rookie Ben Saraf is not listed on the injury report, meaning that is available for the Nets after spending the past few weeks on G League assignment with Long Island. This move makes sense given that Thomas and Traore being out of the lineup opens up more playing time amongst the backcourt so Saraf could see some meaningful minutes if Fernandez decides to head in that direction.
For tomorrow’s game at the Clippers, the Nets say that Cam Thomas (left ankle sprain) and rookie Nolan Traore (illness) are OUT.
Noah Clowney (back soreness) is DOUBTFUL.
Rookie Ben Saraf is AVAILABLE after being on G League assignment.
— Sharif Phillips-Keaton (@SharifKeaton) January 24, 2026
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets rule out Cam Thomas (ankle), Nolan Traore (illness) at Clippers
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