Brooklyn Nets vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions April 8th 2025

Pelicans, Nets Turn to Rookies in Late-Season Clash

The New Orleans Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets won’t be heading to the playoffs this year, but that doesn’t mean their Tuesday night matchup is without intrigue. Instead of chasing a postseason berth, both teams are using their final games to evaluate young talent, tinker with rotations, and give rookies valuable NBA minutes.

The result? Two rebuilding squads unleashing their newest faces in what’s essentially a live audition for next season.

Pelicans’ Season Derailed by Injuries, Opportunity for Youth

After winning 49 games a year ago, the Pelicans (21-57) were expected to at least stay competitive. But an unrelenting injury wave changed everything. Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Dejounte Murray are all out for the season, and key contributor Trey Murphy III recently joined them on the sidelines.

The depleted lineup has opened doors for players like rookie Antonio Reeves, who scored 23 points in just his third career start Sunday vs. Milwaukee. Fellow rookie Yves Missi has quietly had a strong season, posting his 14th double-double with 18 points and 12 boards in that same game.

“He’s ready for those moments when we put him on the floor,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said of Reeves. “That’s what you want to see.”

With five players ruled out for the year, the Pelicans are focusing on development. Lineups now feature Keion Brooks, Bruce Brown, and Elfrid Payton, alongside Reeves and Missi.

Nets Evaluating Future as Season Winds Down

While the Nets (25-53) weren’t hit with the same level of injury chaos, their focus shifted early toward rebuilding. After a 9-10 start, Brooklyn has gone 16-43, and they’re now giving heavy minutes to rookies like Reece Beekman, Drew Timme, and Maxwell Lewis.

In Sunday’s 120-109 loss to Toronto, Beekman and Timme both made their first NBA starts. Beekman led the team with 14 points and 36 minutes, while Timme chipped in 13, marking his third double-digit scoring game in just five appearances since March 28.

“We have a very important summer in front of us, for obvious reasons,” coach Jordi Fernandez said of the team’s rebuild.

The Nets also sat veterans Nic Claxton, Cameron Johnson, and D’Angelo Russell, with only Claxton expected to return Tuesday. Brooklyn has now used a staggering 40 different starting lineups this season.

Draft Implications

• Pelicans: With the league’s third-worst record, they hold a 12% chance at landing the top overall pick. Avoiding a 60-loss season is a small but symbolic goal.
• Nets: Brooklyn owns four first-round picks in this year’s draft and has a 9% lottery chance themselves. Player development and draft prep are top priorities.

What to Watch Tonight

• Antonio Reeves vs. Reece Beekman: Two rookie guards with a lot to prove in extended minutes.
• Yves Missi’s interior impact: Can he notch another double-double and show he’s a future building block?
• Timme’s rise: With three double-digit games already, is he playing his way into the Nets’ 2024 rotation?

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NBA Insights and Resources

Use these tools from Scores and Stats to follow rising rookies and draft storylines:

• NBA Picks – See which rookie squads are worth betting on
• NBA Odds – Track real-time spreads and totals
• NBA Draft Odds – Explore potential lottery movement
• NBA Betting Guide – Great for beginners and strategy updates
• NBA Rebuild Watch – Teams poised to leap next season

FAQs

Who is playing for the Pelicans tonight?
Expect rookies like Antonio Reeves and Yves Missi to start, with many regulars shut down for the season.

What’s at stake for the Nets?
Brooklyn is out of the playoff race and focused on developing young talent and preparing for the 2024 NBA Draft.

Are D’Angelo Russell and Cam Johnson active?
Both have been ruled out for Tuesday. Nic Claxton may return.

Who’s had the biggest impact lately for New Orleans?
Antonio Reeves scored 23 in his third start and Missi has posted 14 double-doubles this season.

How many lineups have the Nets used this year?
An incredible 40 different starting combinations—tied for the most in franchise history.