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Brooklyn Nets head to New Orleans on Wednesday, hoping to snap a three‑game road losing streak that has left them 2‑8 and 13th in the Eastern Conference. The visit marks the first of a three‑game trip that will see the Nets travel to Detroit, then Orlando, before returning to Brooklyn. Their opponent, the New Orleans Pelicans, are 4‑7 and sit 11th in the Western Conference, but they are riding a brief two‑game winning streak that could give them a chance to climb the standings.

The Nets’ slide began after the trade deadline, when the team added Kevin Durant to a roster already struggling with injuries and inconsistent play. Despite Durant’s scoring, the team has been unable to find a rhythm, losing games to the Lakers, Celtics and Warriors in the first month of the season. The Pelicans, meanwhile, have been buoyed by Zion Williamson’s return from injury and a solid supporting cast that has pushed them into the playoffs conversation. New Orleans’ recent wins over the Spurs and the Kings have shown that they can compete when their star players are healthy.

In the game on Wednesday, the Nets will rely on Durant to lead the offense, while Kyrie Irving is expected to provide playmaking and defense. The Pelicans will count on Zion to score in the paint and Brandon Ingram to add outside shooting. Both teams have been dealing with injuries: Nets guard Joe Harris has been limited, and Pelicans guard CJ McCollum is still recovering from a hamstring strain. Coaches will be looking to adjust rotations and defensive schemes to try to turn the tide of the season.

After the New Orleans game, the Nets will face the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, followed by a trip to Orlando on Friday. The Pelicans will host the Los Angeles Lakers next week, a game that could determine whether they keep their playoff hopes alive. For Brooklyn, stopping the road slide is crucial if they want to avoid finishing in the bottom of the East. For New Orleans, maintaining momentum will be key to breaking into the top half of the West. The outcome of Wednesday’s matchup will set the tone for the rest of the Nets’ road trip and could influence how both teams approach their next series of games.