3 questions for Brooklyn Nets entering opening night of the 2021-22 NBA season

The Brooklyn Nets have been the center of attention this summer, as Kyrie Irving's stance on Covid-19 vaccination has put them in a muddle. However, they are still one of the best teams in the NBA if squad quality and depth are taken into consideration.

The Nets open their 2021-22 NBA campaign against familiar foes, the Milwaukee Bucks. The Nets will look to exact revenge for their disappointing Eastern Conference semi-finals loss.

The Brooklyn Nets-Milwaukee Bucks game is expected to be a cracker, as both sides possess some serious firepower. The Nets have arguably the best guard-forward tandem in James Harden and Kevin Durant. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks possess the fearsome trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday.

On that note, here's a look at three questions for the Brooklyn Nets entering opening night of their 2021-22 NBA campaign:

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#3 How will the Brooklyn Nets fare in Kyrie Irving's absence in a regular-season game?

Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Lakers

The Brooklyn Nets had a decent preseason in the absence of Kyrie Irving. They lost a few games, but were able to impress at both ends of the floor. Head coach Steve Nash has been trying to build a cohesive unit since day 1. So it'll be interesting to see how his men respond on opening night amidst the Irving vaccination controversy.

On the tactical front, the Nets are set to miss a prolific scorer who had a 50/40/90 season. But Nash will hope that the trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Patty Mills would take up more responsibility in the scoring department.

So offense should not be a big issue for the Nets in the absence of Kyrie Irving, as they have enough offensive firepower. At the other end, Irving is not known to be a great presence on the defensive side of the ball. Considering both aspects, the Nets are unlikely to miss Kyrie Irving on opening night against the Bucks.

#2 How will the Brooklyn Nets contain Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to take to the court after missing a few preseason games due to recovery, giving Steve Nash another headache to worry about.

Antetokounmpo played a key role in the Milwaukee Bucks' win over the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021 NBA playoffs. So it is safe to say that the Nets lacked an intimidating presence in defense who could counter the Greek Freak's threat.

With Jeff Green gone, that responsibility will likely fall on the shoulders of young big Nicolas Claxton. Apart from him, veteran power forwards LaMarcus Aldridge and Paul Millsap will also spend minutes guarding the athletic forward. However, it is important to note that both these players are well past their prime. They could have a brutal night against arguably the most dominant physical force in the league.

Nash is unlikely to use Kevin Durant or James Harden as primary defenders on Antetokounmpo. That means the Brooklyn Nets will have to put in a collective effort to get the job done on opening night.

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#1 How will Steve Nash ration the touches between Kevin Durant and James Harden?

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets are set to start James Harden in the point guard position in the 2021-22 NBA season. That's a role he has taken up over since joining the New York-based franchise. Meanwhile, their talisman Kevin Durant should continue to play the role of primary scorer, starting at the small forward position.

The Brooklyn Nets largely successfully implemented that strategy in the regular season last year and in the first round against the Boston Celtics. However, when they came up against quality opposition in Milwaukee Bucks, Kevin Durant had to act as a one-man offense in the absence of the injured Irving and Harden.

With James Harden now fully fit, there is a good probability he may want to play a more defined role in scoring. He is arguably the best scorer in the league after Durant, and NBA fans are aware of his ability on that front. Hence, that could lead to Nash making some tough decisions on opening night.