The Nets season preview continues with three bold predictions, what to watch for and games to watch:
Three Bold Nets Predictions
–  The Nets will finish among the top five 3-point shooting teams in the league. With the additions of Jason Terry and Paul Pierce, plus the additional spacing and ball movement in their offense, they will both hit more 3-pointers and a higher percentage of them.
– Brook Lopez will finish in the top 10 in the NBA in scoring. The additional space he will get on the floor — as well as more single-coverage — will allow him to score at will on many nights.
–  Deron Williams will once again average double-digit assists a night. Both he and Jason Kidd have laid that out as a goal for this season, and with all of the weapons the Nets have at his disposal, it’s definitely achievable.
Buzzer beaters
NEWCOMER TO WATCH
Who could this be but Kevin Garnett? Whenever Garnett is on the floor, it’s impossible not to watch him play with his trademark intensity, something he brings whether it’s a practice or a game. He has already had a dramatic impact on the Nets before they’ve played a single regular season game.
MOST IMPORTANT COACHING DECISION
Jason Kidd’s toughest task is going to be finding the right balance between keeping the Nets’ veterans fresh and healthy for the playoffs while also competing for seeding atop the Eastern Conference.
GOOD DAYS TO COME
Brook Lopez made his first All-Star team and led all centers in scoring last season. Now playing with Garnett and Paul Pierce, he should see single-coverage most of the time, and working alongside Garnett automatically will make Lopez a better defender.
BAD DAYS AHEAD
Jason Terry struggled last season in Boston, which he attributed to playing through a knee injury he had surgery on this summer. The Nets need him to prove that was the case this season.
DON’T BE SURPRISED IF …
Garnett sits close to the 20 games Kidd originally said he was planning on Garnett resting in. The Nets know they need Garnett healthy and productive for their playoff push.
SURE TO MAKE FANS GRUMBLE
Fans might not appreciate Reggie Evans’ game at times — and particularly his lack of scoring ability — but he brings defense, toughness and rebounding, all things Kidd appreciates in a player.
Five Games To Watch
Nov. 1 vs. Heat
The Nets will welcome the defending champs to Brooklyn in the home opener for their new-look team. With the history between Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and the Heat, there are sure to be fireworks.
Nov. 16 at Clippers
The first meeting between Garnett, Pierce and Doc Rivers since the trio split up this summer will pit two of the NBA’s elite teams against one another.
Dec. 5 vs. Knicks
The first of four games between the two teams playing The City Game takes place in Brooklyn.
Jan. 26 at Celtics
Pierce and Garnett will make their return to Boston in what should be an emotional night. No matter how bad the Celtics are, we will be watching.
Jan. 31 vs. Thunder
As part of the Super Bowl week festivities, the Nets welcome Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to Brooklyn.
Where They’ll Finish
55-27, third in East, eliminated in Eastern Conference semifinals
Because of the additions of Garnett, Pierce, Terry and Kirilenko, which have infused the Nets with the physical and mental toughness and defensive chops they lacked a year ago, Brooklyn should surpass the Knicks and win the Atlantic Division title and be right in the hunt with Miami, Chicago and Indiana for the top spot in the East.
The Nets probably match up better with both Chicago and Indiana, but under this scenario they would face the defending champions in the Eastern Conference semis. Though they have enough firepower to knock off the Heat if they are healthy going into that series, it’s hard to ever pick against LeBron James.