Nets’ Cam Thomas Sidelined with Hamstring Strain, to Be Reevaluated in 3–4 Weeks

The Brooklyn Nets will be without one of their key offensive weapons for the next few weeks. Guard Cam Thomas has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and will be reevaluated in three to four weeks, the team announced Friday.

Thomas sustained the injury during the first quarter of Wednesday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers, a contest that marked Brooklyn’s first victory of the season. He exited early and did not return, and subsequent testing confirmed the extent of the injury.

The 24-year-old had been off to a strong start, averaging 21.4 points per game — second on the team behind Michael Porter Jr. His scoring punch and ability to create off the dribble had been central to Brooklyn’s offensive rhythm through the opening stretch of the season.

With Thomas sidelined, the Nets will need to adjust quickly, leaning on a deeper rotation to fill the scoring void as they look to build momentum following a rocky start.

1. Impact on Brooklyn’s Offense

Thomas’ injury poses a significant challenge for a Nets team that relies heavily on his shot creation and perimeter efficiency. Known for his quick release and scoring versatility, he had emerged as one of Brooklyn’s most consistent offensive options through the first few games. The loss comes just as the Nets seemed to be finding cohesion after early struggles. Thomas’ scoring consistency helped space the floor and ease the workload on teammates like Porter Jr. and the team’s secondary playmakers. In his absence, head coach Kevin Ollie will likely turn to players such as Cam Johnson and Dennis Smith Jr. to absorb some of the scoring duties, while emphasizing more ball movement to compensate for Thomas’ one-on-one shot-making ability. The Nets’ offensive identity may shift toward a more balanced approach during this stretch, as they look to remain competitive in a tightly contested Eastern Conference.

2. A Pivotal Season for Thomas

This injury comes at an important juncture in Thomas’ career. After signing a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer over the summer, he is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason — a year that could define his long-term trajectory in the league. Thomas entered the season aiming to solidify himself as a core piece for Brooklyn or raise his value heading into free agency. His early performances underscored his growth as a scorer and his potential to earn a more prominent role — whether with the Nets or elsewhere. Now, his recovery and return timeline will be closely watched by both the organization and potential suitors. A smooth rehabilitation and strong finish to the season could reaffirm his standing as one of the league’s promising young guards. For Brooklyn, managing his minutes and ensuring full recovery will be critical. The team can ill afford to rush a player whose long-term health remains central to its competitive outlook.

3. Looking Ahead

The Nets will likely take a cautious approach with Thomas, given the typical unpredictability of hamstring injuries. A three- to four-week reevaluation window suggests he could miss at least 10 to 12 games, depending on recovery progress. In the meantime, the injury opens opportunities for the team’s younger guards and bench contributors to step into larger roles. It also puts added pressure on Porter Jr. to maintain his scoring pace while keeping the offense steady. Brooklyn remains focused on maintaining competitiveness during Thomas’ absence, banking on depth and improved defensive play to stay afloat in the standings. If they can weather this stretch, his eventual return could provide a much-needed boost heading into the heart of the season. For Thomas, the priority is rest and recovery — ensuring that when he returns, he can continue building on the promise he showed in the early weeks of the campaign.