Brooklyn has turned ball pressure into open-floor chances in both exhibitions. Washington has also created quick offense, with Trae Young finding Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr inside. The key to this matchup is what happens after the first pass and which team turns loose balls into extra possessions.
Ellis and Demin give Brooklyn a way to press the ball and attack Washington's recent trouble keeping it. The Wizards committed 22 turnovers against New York and 27 against Detroit; Brooklyn scored 25 and 24 fast-break points in its two games. Randle offers a half-court outlet, while Traore and Wolf can keep the ball moving when the rotations change.
Michael Porter Jr. and Day'Ron Sharpe are reported available after missing the Philadelphia game; both played in Brooklyn's opener. Porter adds an outside target, and Sharpe gives the Nets another body against Davis, Sarr and Ayton. Washington's main group can create inside, but Davis played 17 and 22 minutes in his first two exhibitions, leaving the reserve possessions especially important.
I expect Young's passing to test the pressure early, followed by a longer stretch in which Brooklyn's active guards can force rushed decisions and run. That's why I'm siding with Brooklyn Nets to take the game.
