Brooklyn Nets 2012-13 Schedule: Monthly Breakdown and W-L Predictions

The Brooklyn Nets have made major moves during the offseason to ensure that this year will be better than the last. In fact, it looks like the Nets are a whole new team. 

With a new location and new uniform, the Brooklyn Nets are recharged and ready to be a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. Led by Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, the team will embark on a quest to make it to the postseason.

In addition to Johnson, the Nets also added Reggie Evans and re-signed Gerald Wallace. They decided to leave Dwight Howard in Orlando and stick with Brook Lopez as their starting center. 

After Brooklyn's whirlwind offseason, how will their regular season pan out? Will they finally be able to compete against the top dogs in the East? 

From November to April, the Nets will definitely give fans something to be excited about.   

November Schedule

Thursday, November 1 vs. New York Knicks

Saturday, November 3 vs. Toronto Raptors

Monday, November 5 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Wednesday, November 7 @ Miami Heat

Friday, November 9 @ Orlando Magic

Sunday, November 11 vs. Orlando Magic

Tuesday, November 13 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 

Thursday, November 15 vs. Boston Celtics

Sunday, November 18 @ Sacramento Kings

Tuesday, November 20 @ Los Angeles Lakers

Wednesday, November 21 @ Golden State Warriors

Friday, November 23 vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Sunday, November 25 vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Wednesday, November 28 @ Boston Celtics

Friday, November 30 @ Orlando Magic

Key November Games

Thursday, November 1 vs. New York Knicks

The first-ever Brooklyn Nets home game at the Barclays Center is a can't-miss. The Nets will face off against the rival New York Knicks in the regular season opener for both squads. It will be exciting to see Deron Williams and Joe Johnson compete against the Knicks' Big Three to be the best team in the Big Apple. Not to mention Jason Kidd used to be a member of the New Jersey Nets.

Friday, November 9 @ Orlando Magic

It seemed almost certain that Dwight Howard would end up in Brooklyn next season, until the Nets front office grew tired of playing games and pulled out of D12 trade talks. This game will be Howard's first chance to see the team he should have been playing for in action. 

Thursday, November 15 vs. Boston Celtics

The Atlantic Division champs will come to Brooklyn to try to continue their dominance. If the Nets come out on top against the Celtics, it will solidify them as a threat in their division.

November W-L Prediction: 9-6

Wins: Raptors, Magic, Cavaliers, Kings, Warriors, Clippers, Trail Blazers

Losses: Knicks, Timberwolves, Heat, Celtics, Lakers 

Preview and Predictions for November

Best One-on-One Matchup of November

Deron Williams and Rajon Rondo are two of the best point guards of today's generation. They're both quick on their feet, excellent passers and great scorers. Rondo has a clear advantage on his home court, but D-Will has the skills to make it an even competition. 

Midway into November, the Nets will have to face the reigning Atlantic Division champs, but all eyes will be on the two star PGs. 

Brooklyn has the best case scenario in November if...

They can contain Dwight Howard. The Nets face off against the Orlando Magic three times this month. If they can get over that initial hump and play well during those heavily publicized games, it will be a great start for the new team. 

Brooklyn has the worst case scenario in November if...

They can't compete with any championship-caliber teams. The Nets play Miami, Boston, and the Lakers in November. Although it will take some time for the new-look Nets to gel, it's important for them to stand their ground against tougher teams like the Heat. 

December Schedule

Saturday, December 1 @ Miami Heat

Tuesday, December 4 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Friday, November 7 vs. Golden State Warriors

Sunday, December 9 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Tuesday, December 11 vs. New York Knicks

Wednesday, December 12 @ Toronto Raptors

Friday, December 14 vs. Detroit Pistons

Saturday, December 15 @ Chicago Bulls

Tuesday, December 18 vs. Utah Jazz

Wednesday, December 19 @ New York Knicks

Sunday, December 23 vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Tuesday, December 25 vs. Boston Celtics

Wednesday, December 26 @ Milwaukee Bucks

Friday, December 28 vs. Charlotte Bobcats

Saturday December 29 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Monday, December 31 @ San Antonio Spurs

Key December Games

Wednesday, December 12 @ Toronto Raptors

The Raptors haven't been much of a factor in recent years, but that could change very soon. The Nets will have their hands full with this young squad. Plus, the battle in the post between Brook Lopez and Andrea Bargnani is pretty even. 

Wednesday, December 19 @ New York Knicks

While the Nets may lose the first match-up against the Knicks, expect them to be more prepared for the third meeting. By this time, the Nets should be used to playing together and have decent chemistry. It's a road game, so it will be interesting to see how the team deals with the atmosphere in Madison Square Garden.

Sunday, December 23 vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Another exciting Atlantic Division match-up. Led by head coach Doug Collins, the young Sixers team made significant progress last year, even going to the second round of the postseason. Philadelphia may cause difficulty for the Nets. 

December W-L Prediction: 9-7

Wins: Warriors, Bucks, Knicks, Raptors, Pistons, Jazz, Bobcats, Cavaliers

Losses: Heat, Thunder, Bulls, Knicks, Sixers, Celtics, Spurs 

Preview and Predictions for December

Best One-on-One Matchup of December

Once again, the point guards will be the center of attention. Deron Williams will go up against Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City in hopes of upsetting the Western Conference champions. Westbrook is speedy, unconventional and knows how to put points on the board. On the other hand, Williams has a high basketball IQ that might give him the upper hand. 

Brooklyn has the best case scenario in December if...

They can win at home. The Nets play Milwaukee, Detroit, Charlotte and Cleveland all on their home court. If they can close out those games, it will put them in a good position, especially because their toughest games will be on the road this month.

Brooklyn has the worst case scenario in December if...

They lose both games to New York. The Knicks are automatically the Brooklyn Nets' biggest rivals now. They have two meetings this month, both home and away, and the Nets must win at least one. Losing both games will lower team morale and put a burden on their shoulders. 

January Schedule

Wednesday, January 2 @ Oklahoma City Thunder

Friday, January 4 @ Washington Wizards

Saturday, January 5 vs. Sacramento Kings

Tuesday, January 8 @ Philadelphia 76ers

Friday, January 11 vs. Phoenix Suns

Sunday, January 13 vs. Indiana Pacers

Tuesday, January 15 vs. Toronto Raptors

Wednesday, January 16 @ Atlanta Hawks

Friday, January 18 vs. Atlanta Hawks

Monday, January 21 @ New York Knicks

Wednesday, January 23 @ Minnesota Timberwolves

Friday, January 25 @ Memphis Grizzlies

Saturday, January 26 @ Houston Rockets

Monday, January 28 vs. Orlando Magic

Wednesday, January 30 vs. Miami Heat

Key January Games

Friday, January 4 @ Washington Wizards

The Nets end a three-game road trip in Washington, D.C. to contest the John Wall and the Wizards. After two tough games against San Antonio and Oklahoma City, the Nets won't catch much of a break in Washington. With the acquisitions of Bradley Beal, Nene, Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor, the Wizards are a brand new team. 

Wednesday, January 16 @ Atlanta Hawks

Former Hawks franchise player Joe Johnson left this summer to join the Nets in Brooklyn. This will be his first chance to play against his former teammates. 

Friday, January 25 @ Memphis Grizzlies

The third game on a four-game road stretch will prove to be a tough one for the Nets. The Memphis Grizzlies are a terrific at home, with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol holding down the front court. Watch how Kris Humphries and crew match up against the big men in Memphis on the road.

January W-L Prediction: 7-8

Wins: Kings, Suns, Raptors, Hawks, Rockets, Magic

Losses: Thunder, Wizards, Sixers, Pacers, Knicks, Timberwolves, Grizzlies, Heat

Preview and Predictions for January

Best One-on-One Matchup of January

If Dwight Howard is still in Orlando by January, the matchup between him and Brook Lopez will be intriguing. Obviously, Howard is the better center, but Lopez took his spot on the Nets. Whoever wins this matchup will tell Brooklyn's front office whether they made the right decision.  

Brooklyn has the best case scenario in January if...

They consistently win on the road. The Nets have a four-game road stretch towards the end of the month. If the team can beat the Knicks, Timberwolves, Grizzlies and Rockets on the road, it will put them in a good position in the weeks before All-Star Weekend.

Brooklyn has the worst case scenario in January if...

A key player gets injured. While a injury is the absolute worst thing that could happen, it is still a very real possibility. Midway through the season is the prime time for players' bodies to give out if they haven't been conditioning right. The Nets still lack real depth so a key injury would definitely hurt them.                         

February Schedule

Friday, February 1 vs. Chicago Bulls

Tuesday, February 5 vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Wednesday, February 6 @ Detroit Pistons

Friday, February 8 @ Washington Wizards

Sunday, February 10 vs. San Antonio Spurs

Monday, February 11 @ Indiana Pacers

Wednesday, February 13 vs. Denver Nuggets

Tuesday, February 19 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Wednesday, February 20 @ Milwaukee Bucks

Friday, February 22 vs. Houston Rockets

Sunday, February 24 vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Tuesday, February 26 @ New Orleans Hornets

Key February Games

Friday, Feburary 1 vs. Chicago Bulls

When two amazing point guards face off, you can guarantee to be thoroughly entertained. This should be the case with Deron Williams and a healthy Derrick Rose. The Nets will battle the team who held the best record in the NBA the 2011-12 season. Expect the team with the better point guard to ultimately win this game.

Tuesday, February 19 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The first game after the All-Star break sets the tone for the second half of the season. Teams start to buckle down and focus on ensuring their spot in the playoffs. By this time, Brooklyn has no excuses. The Nets must win against Monta Ellis and the Bucks, or they might have a long spring ahead of them. 

February W-L Prediction: 8-4

Wins: Pistons, Wizards, Nuggets, Bucks, Rockets, Grizzlies, Hornets

Losses: Bulls, Lakers, Pacers, Spurs

Preview and Predictions for February

Best One-on-One Matchup of February

This battle of the shooting guards is an equal toss-up. Both Joe Johnson and Manu Ginobili know their position well and are underrated. Johnson is six-time NBA All-Star and Ginobili is a former NBA Sixth Man of the Year. The two guards will battle it out in Brooklyn to see who ends up on top.

Brooklyn has the best case scenario in February if...

They come out strong after All-Star weekend. All-Star Weekend 2013 is February 15-18 in Houston, Texas. After the break, the Nets play Milwaukee, Houston, Memphis and New Orleans. The All-Star break should give Brooklyn enough time to recoup before the intense second half of the season.

Brooklyn has the worst case scenario in February if...

Brook Lopez doesn't step up to the plate. Right now, the Nets do not have a backup center so most of the pressure falls on Lopez. It is essential to have a dominant big man in the league, especially when competing against teams like the Lakers, who have both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. The Nets ultimately passed on Dwight Howard. If Lopez doesn't produce, they could be in trouble. 

March Schedule

Friday, March 1 vs. Dallas Mavericks

Saturday, March 2 @ Chicago Bulls

Wednesday, March 6 @ Charlotte Bobcats

Friday, March 8 vs. Washington Wizards

Saturday, March 9 @ Atlanta Hawks

Monday, March 11 @ Philadelphia 76ers

Tuesday, March 12 vs. New Orleans Hornets 

Sunday, March 17 vs. Atlanta Hawks

Monday, March 18 @ Detroit Pistons

Wednesday, March 20 @ Dallas Mavericks

Saturday, March 23 @ Los Angeles Clippers

Sunday, March 24 @ Phoenix Suns

Wednesday, March 27 @ Portland Trail Blazers

Friday, March 29 @ Denver Nuggets

Saturday, March 30 @ Utah Jazz

Key March Games

Friday, March 1 vs. Dallas

Deron Williams was reportedly extremely close to signing a deal with his hometown Mavericks before ultimately choosing to stay with the Nets. Also, head coach Avery Johnson spent four years coaching in Dallas. How will the franchise player and head coach fare against the team they both have ties to?

Saturday, March 23 @ Los Angeles Clippers

The Nets landed forward Reggie Evans through a sign-and-trade with the Clippers. Evans had a good year in Los Angeles last season, known for infuriating his opponents. Now that Evans is a member of the Brooklyn Nets, it will be interesting to see if he will have the same effect on his former teammates. 

Saturday, March 30 @ Utah Jazz

In March, Brooklyn will embark on an eight-game road stretch, and Utah is the second-to-last stop on the tour. The Jazz have quietly made key moves during the offseason to prep themselves for a solid postseason run. With Mo Williams as the new point guard and Randy Foye as a top scorer, the Jazz will definitely give the Nets some trouble.  

March W-L Prediction: 9-6

Wins: Mavericks, Bobcats, Wizards, Hawks, Hornets, Pistons, Trail Blazers, Jazz

Losses: Bulls, Sixers, Mavericks, Clippers, Suns, Nuggets

Preview and Predictions for March

Best One-on-One Matchup of March

Chris Paul and Deron Williams have been compared for years. Who's the better point guard? While one single game won't solve that question, it will be very entertaining. CP3 is arguably the league's most dangerous passer, and D-Will is equally as dangerous in his own way. 

Brooklyn has the best case scenario in March if...

Deron Williams has an amazing month. As floor general for the Nets, it is imperative that D-Will plays well. In March, the Nets face off against teams with commanding point guards like Chris Paul and Derrick Rose. If Williams can successfully outplay them, Brooklyn will have an advantage.

Brooklyn has the worst case scenario in March if... 

They can't close out on the road. Almost March's entire schedule is away games for the Nets. In fact, they only have four home games. Therefore, Brooklyn must close out on the road. As the season winds down, teams will be looking to ensure their spot in the postseason. The Nets have to win at least half of their road games this month or they could risk losing their spot.

April Schedule

Wednesday, April 3 @ Cleveland Cavaliers

Thursday, April 4 vs. Chicago Bulls

Saturday, April 6 vs. Charlotte Bobcats

Tuesday, April 9 vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Wednesday, April 10 @ Boston Celtics

Friday, April 12 @ Indiana Pacers

Sunday, April 14 @ Toronto Raptors

Monday, April 15 vs. Washington Wizards

Wednesday, April 17 vs. Detroit Pistons

Key April Games

Tuesday, April 9 vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Nets have to win the last regular season meeting with their division rivals. It's important for the Nets to have a strong start heading into the playoffs. It won't be easy, but it can be done.  

Wednesday, April 10 @ Boston Celtics

The Celtics are the Nets' toughest competitor in their division. If Brooklyn can win this game, it will do wonders for team morale and respect in the Eastern Conference. However, if they lose, it will still be good practice for the tough competition in the postseason.  

Sunday, April 14 @ Toronto Raptors

This will be Brooklyn's last regular season game in the Atlantic Division. After facing off against the Sixers and Celtics, the Nets must finish strong against the Raptors. The key to having a successful playoff run is to not slack off in the final regular season stretch. 

April W-L Prediction: 6-3

Wins: Cavaliers, Bobcats, Sixers, Raptors, Wizards, Pistons

Losses: Bulls, Celtics, Pacers

Preview and Predictions for April

Best One-on-One Matchup of April 

The best matchup of April is between Andre Iguodala and Gerald Wallace. The Atlantic Division rivals are equally matched and will battle it out as the season comes to a close. While Iguodala is the leader of the Sixers, Wallace is role player on the Nets. However, Wallace plays his role as small forward very well and could be a problem for the sometimes inconsistent Iguodala. 

Brooklyn has the best case scenario in April if...

They weigh every game importance. At the end of the season, some teams tend to slack off and look ahead to the playoffs. However, by continuing to take it one game at a time, the Nets will better prepare themselves for the more competitive and strenuous postseason. Each game counts, especially when it comes to getting home-court advantage. 

Brooklyn has the worst case scenario in April if...

They don't win the games against their division. The Nets will play Philadelphia, Toronto and Boston in April. If Brooklyn loses those matches, it will put them in a bad position to enter the playoffs. Even worse, it could knock them out of the postseason altogether. 

Final Predictions

Final Record: 48-34

The Brooklyn Nets are definitely better equipped than they were last year. They have the talent and potential to be a threat in the Eastern Conference. Whether they will capitalize on that talent is a different story.

With Deron Williams and Joe Johnson leading the squad, the Nets have the star power to compete against teams like the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. On the other hand, they need more depth if they plan on overthrowing the Miami Heat. 

The Nets might struggle against teams with marquee big men, like the Lakers and Andrew Bynum. Although Brook Lopez is a top-10 center, he still has some work to do if he wants to compete with big leagues like Bynum and Dwight Howard. 

I expect the Nets to have an above-average season and a solid postseason run. They still need to add more pieces to the puzzle before they can truly be called a championship-caliber team, but they have already taken steps in the right direction.