This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/nets/onsi as Three Takeaways From The Nets' Shorthanded Loss To The Wizards. Following a shorthanded loss to the Houston Rockets on New Year's Day, the Brooklyn Nets (10-22) hit the road for the first time in 2026 for a matchup with the Washington Wizards (9-24).

In a clash sure to have lottery ramifications, the shorthanded Nets lost 119-99 to Washington on Friday before a crowd of 16,486 at Capital One Arena. After having won seven of 10, Brooklyn (10-22) has gone cold and dropped three straight.

Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe had his first start this season Friday at the Washington Wizards and head coach Jordi Fernandez gave his thoughts.

The Washington Wizards, after ending 2025 on a win over the Milwaukee Bucks, have now completed the rare feat (by their own standards) of going back-to-back in the victory column with a win over the Brooklyn Nets to kick off 2026. To a final score of 119-99, the triumph was far from close, to boot.

Justin Champagnie scored a season-high 20 points and the Washington Wizards continued their recent improvement with a 119-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.

2026 is here and the Brooklyn Nets are looking to get back in the winner’s circle. They were shorthanded in last night’s matchup against the Houston Rockets and old friend Kevin Durant, and predictably got demolished by 24 points. It was their worst loss in a while, but fortunately they’re right back on the court so they can wash that L away.

The Brooklyn Nets (10-22) began 2026 with a loss to the Houston Rockets that could be somewhat excused because of how many players the Nets were missing for the matchup. Brooklyn had the same issue heading into Friday's game at the Washington Wizards (9-24) and it looks like the Nets have to figure out how to make up for their starters being out.

The Nets’ skid stretched to three games Friday night, as a shorthanded Brooklyn team fell to the Washington Wizards.

The Nets will be without three of their top players against the Wizards on Friday as they battle for position in the draft lottery standings.

The Washington Wizards (8-24) go up against the Brooklyn Nets (10-21) on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET. The matchup airs on YES and MNMT. If you're seeking parlay options, we list those for you below.