Thu Jan 16 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Nets Suffer Overtime Loss to Jazz Amidst Injury Crisis

**SALT LAKE CITY —** The Brooklyn Nets fell to the Utah Jazz 112-111 in overtime Sunday, a heartbreaking defeat compounded by a growing injury list. The team was already without key players Cam Johnson, D’Angelo Russell, and Cam Thomas, and the status of Ben Simmons for the upcoming back-to-back games remains uncertain.

Coach Jordi Fernandez revealed that Simmons hasn’t yet been cleared for consecutive games, teasing that a decision on whether Simmons will play against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday or the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday is yet to be finalized. Russell missed his fourth straight game with a right shin contusion, while Johnson sat out his fifth with a right ankle sprain.

Despite the absences, young players stepped up. Tosan Evbuomwan tied his career high with 22 points, including crucial free throws in overtime. Ziaire Williams also continued his strong performance, scoring 19 points for his fifth consecutive double-digit game. Rookie Dariq Whitehead was cleared to play after suffering a concussion in the G-League, but was held out of Sunday’s game as a precaution.

The Nets’ injury woes extend beyond the players mentioned above. Trendon Watford (hamstring), Bojan Bogdanovic (foot), Maxwell Lewis (tibia), and De’Anthony Melton (ACL) all remained sidelined. Thomas’s hamstring injury will be re-evaluated after the team’s current road trip.

The Jazz also faced injury issues, with Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, and Taylor Hendricks all missing the game due to injury.

Despite wildfires causing postponements in the Los Angeles area, the Nets’ games against the Clippers and Lakers will proceed as scheduled. The Lakers will hold a donation drive at their game against the Nets to benefit wildfire relief efforts.

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