Moritz Wagner racks up four steals vs. 76ers

Playing against a Pacers team without Ivica Zubac or Obi Toppin, Sharpe had his most productive game of the season. The Nets center recorded his first double-double in six games, finishing with new highs in points and rebounds. Sharpe didn’t record any defensive stats, ending his two-game streak with at least one steal and one block. He’ll look to do more on that end of the floor on Monday when the Nets visit the Knicks.

Wagner has long been a per minute monster and this has been his best game of the season. He’s gotten more comfortable in the Nets system and his minutes have started to increase over the past few games. In redraft leagues, he is worth a stream if you need some rebounds, but his ceiling is capped by Day’Ron Sharpe. It would require an injury for his role to increase.

Sunday was a bad day for the Nets, who fell to 0-3 with a blowout loss to the Pacers. Sharpe shot the ball well from the field, but the overall production was underwhelming for a starting center. The promotion certainly raises his fantasy ceiling, but it may take time for Sharpe to deliver the top-100 return some managers hope for. The Nets play three games in Week 2, starting with the Celtics on Tuesday.

MPJ and Sharpe both played in the preseason opener on Tuesday, so it’s unlikely these injuries are severe enough to impact their status for the start of the regular season. As for Brown and Jefferson, neither rookie played in the preseason opener, with their next chance to debut coming on Monday in Washington.

Wagner has been in the NBA for eight years and only played at least 50 games in a season three times. His production fell off last season with the Magic as he averaged just 6.9 points and 3.2 rebounds, which were both career-lows. Orlando seemed prepared to lose Wagner in free agency, making Goga Bitadze off-limits in trades and adding Nikola Vucevic as a free agent. Wagner joins a Nets squad that went 20-62 last year. He’ll come off the bench behind Julius Randle in Brooklyn.

Sharpe is coming off the most productive season of his NBA career, as he averaged highs in points (8.7), rebounds (6.7), assists (2.3) and steals (1.1). Used mainly as a reserve in his first five seasons, making 21 starts in 253 total appearances, the 6-foot-9 center may be the Nets’ starting center next season. Nic Claxton was traded to the Bulls as part of a three-team deal that sent Julius Randle to Brooklyn. While the Nets could also add a veteran in free agency or shift Noah Clowney into that role, Sharpe’s opportunities will increase in 2026-27. If he’s allowed to start, he’ll be worth taking a flier on in drafts.

Carter has been listed as doubtful to return with about six minutes left in this game. Goga Bitadze is in the game to close things out, though Moritz Wagner may also see an uptick in minutes if Carter ends up missing more time beyond this.

Claxton sat out Sunday, but he’ll be available for the second leg of Brooklyn’s back-to-back set. Claxton should see significant work in the frontcourt, especially since Day’Ron Sharpe (thumb) has also been ruled out.

Cater is back after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Hornets. His return means that Goga Bitadze, who logged 19 minutes on Thursday, will head to the bench. Moritz Wagner should remain in the backup center role.

Carter did not play in Thursday’s loss to the Hornets, sitting out due to a rib contusion. Goga Bitadze started but only played 19 minutes, with reserve Moritz Wagner also playing 19 minutes. That isn’t enough for either to offer reliable streaming value, especially with the Magic willing to go small for extended periods if needed.