The Brooklyn Nets now know exactly how tough their path to the Eastern Conference playoffs will be after schedules for all 30 NBA teams were released on Aug. 14.
Recent hire Lionel Hollins and the team face an uphill battle this season after the disassembling of a team which went 44-38 and defeated the Toronto Raptors in a thrilling first round playoff series. After Brooklyn’s exit at the hands of the Miami Heat, the team sent former coach Jason Kidd to the Milwaukee Bucks for two second round picks after he requested control of the front office. Then, general manager Billy King allowed Paul Pierce and the upstart Shaun Livingston flee to greener pastures when free agency commenced in early July.
Brooklyn’s success this coming season hinges on the broad shoulders of Brook Lopez and the brittle ankles of Deron Williams. The two players are coming off of surgery and need to adapt fast. Here are the five must-watch games on the Nets’ 2014-2015 schedule.