Nets’ Cam Johnson, D’Angelo Russell could return after extended absence against Trail Blazers

The Brooklyn Nets could want the top two offensive linemen back during a key position game in the draft. Cam Johnson and D’Angelo Russell are questionable for Tuesday’s meeting with Portland Trail Blazers. Johnson has missed the last five games with a sprained right ankle, while Russell has missed four straight games with a right calf contusion.

With Cam Thomas also sidelined with a hamstring strain, the Nets posted the NBA’s worst offensive rating (101.0) during their five-game losing streak. Brooklyn averaged 101.4 points and 15.8 turnovers on 41.3 percent shooting from the field and 30.8 percent from three.

Tyrese Martin and Keon Johnson stepped in as the team’s leading players amid a string of injuries. Martin averaged 14.6 points and 2.6 assists on 39/32/53 shooting during the losing streak, while Johnson averaged 13.4 points and 4.6 assists on 36/39/90 shooting.

The return of Cam Johnson and D’Angelo Russell could get the Nets offense back on track

After the team welcomed back Ben Simmons during their last game, the returns of Johnson and Russell would further stabilize the Nets offense. Simmons is questionable for the Blazers matchup on the front end with a lower back injury/left knee soreness. Nick Claxton is also questionable with a right hamstring strain.

Johnson had the best season of his career as he stepped into an expanded role following the departure of Michal Bridges. The 6-foot-8 sharpshooter averaged 19.5 points per game on 50/44/90 shooting. He ranks fourth in the NBA in three-point percentage among the 60 players who attempt at least six per game, trailing only Zach LaVine, Kyrie Irving and Norman Powell.

The 28-year-old is dealing with his second right ankle injury of the season, which he also sprained during the Nov. 25 win over the Golden State Warriors. Johnson is at the center of trade rumors leading up to the Feb. 6 deadline, executives labeled him as one of the NBA’s most sought-after players.

Russell’s return will give the Nets a dribble-pass-shoot threat, something they’ve lacked in nearly every game since the Dennis Schroder trade. The veteran point guard injured his calf during his third game after being reacquired by Brooklyn from the Los Angeles Lakers. He was effective during his first two appearances, averaging 16.5 points, 10.0 assists and 2.0 turnovers per game while shooting 50.0 percent.

After the Nets’ overtime loss to the Utah JazzTuesday’s matchup with the Trail Blazers will also be crucial to the positioning of the draft. Portland is a half game behind Brooklyn for sixth in the lottery standings.

The Trail Blazers have won four of their last nine and enter the matchup on two days’ rest. Danny Avdia (sprained right ankle) and Dalano Bunton (illness) are questionable, while Jeremy Grant (facial contusion) will miss his eighth straight game with a facial contusion.