Nets' Nic Claxton to miss Cavaliers game after ankle sprain

Claxton suffered the injury during Tuesday's practice session

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton will miss Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers after spraining his right ankle during practice on Tuesday. Claxton, who is averaging 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game this season, will be replaced in the starting lineup by Day'Ron Sharpe.

Why it matters

Claxton's absence is a significant blow for the Nets, who are looking to bounce back in the second half of the season. The team will need to rely on its depth to fill the void left by Claxton's injury.

The details

Claxton suffered the ankle sprain during Tuesday's practice session and will not play in Thursday's game against the Cavaliers. In his place, rookie Day'Ron Sharpe is expected to get the start. The Nets have also sent rookies Ben Saraf and Josh Minott to their G-League affiliate.

  • Claxton suffered the ankle injury during Tuesday's practice session.
  • Claxton will miss the Nets' game against the Cavaliers on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Nic Claxton

A starting center for the Brooklyn Nets who is averaging 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game this season.

Day'Ron Sharpe

A rookie center for the Brooklyn Nets who is expected to start in place of the injured Nic Claxton.

Ben Saraf

A rookie guard for the Brooklyn Nets who has been sent to the team's G-League affiliate.

Josh Minott

A rookie forward for the Brooklyn Nets who was acquired from the Celtics and has also been sent to the team's G-League affiliate.

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What they’re saying

“They need to know the personnel, the tendencies and how important of an opportunity it is to play against players of that caliber. They have to be ready for the challenge.”

— Jordi Fernández, Nets coach (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Nets will need to rely on their depth to fill the void left by Claxton's absence, with rookie Day'Ron Sharpe expected to start in his place. The team will also be looking for strong performances from its young backcourt of Egor Dëmin and Nolan Traore as they face a tough test against the Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.

The takeaway

Claxton's injury is a setback for the Nets, who are looking to build momentum in the second half of the season. However, the team's depth and the development of its young players will be tested as they navigate Claxton's absence and look to secure a playoff spot.