Overview
- Head coach Jordi Fernández said Thomas is expected to play Saturday at Minnesota after full-contact practice and 5-on-5 scrimmages, with the team listing him back in the rotation.
- Thomas has missed 20 games since his Nov. 5 left hamstring strain; he averaged 21.4 points across eight appearances before the injury.
- The Nets have not announced whether Thomas will start or face a minutes limit, and coaches plan to manage his role as he reenters the lineup.
- Brooklyn’s defense has climbed significantly during his layoff, ranking among the league’s best in December and sixth over the broader stretch reported since his injury.
- Thomas is on a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer with a no-trade clause this season and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer after declining a two-year, $15 million offer.