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Nets and Warriors tangle in Newark

Jan 18, 2012 - 3:47 PM (Sports Network) - The New Jersey Nets have only played four games at home this season, losing all of them, and look to give the friendly faithful something to cheer about when they host the Golden State Warriors tonight.

The Nets are 0-4 on their own court and recorded a 1-3 mark on a recent four- game road trip, culminating with a 101-91 loss to the Chris Paul-less Los Angeles Clippers on Monday from Staples Center. MarShon Brooks had 19 points and eight rebounds for New Jersey, which has dropped five of six games overall. Kris Humphries finished with 14 points and seven rebounds in defeat.

"We have to do a better job in the first quarter; we dug ourselves a big hole," Nets head coach Avery Johnson said. "I like the way our guys battled back and played their hearts out."

Mehmet Okur and Deron Williams collected 15 and 14 points, respectively. New Jersey, which is last in the Atlantic Division, trailed by a 32-17 margin after the first 12 minutes and never got back into the game. It will also host the Thunder and Bobcats on the homestand.

The Nets have used nine different starting lineups over the first 14 games, which is a league record. Brooks is second among rookies in scoring at 14.6 ppg and Humphries is averaging a double-double with 13.7 ppg and 10.0 rpg.

Golden State will close out a four-game trip tonight and is 2-1 on the trek after posting a 105-95 victory over Cleveland on Tuesday. David Lee had 29 points and nine rebounds, Nate Robinson added 17 points and 10 assists and both Brandon Rush and Klay Thompson finished with 14 points for the Warriors, who have won three of five overall and improved to 2-4 as the visitor.

"That's what the good teams do, in spite of adversity find a way to get it done," said Warriors coach Mark Jackson. "Our guys did exactly that. When you compete and defend you will win your share of games in this league."

Lee has scored at least 20 points in five straight games. Golden State guard Monta Ellis took a hard elbow to the nose from Cavs big man Anderson Varejao in the game's closing seconds and is probable for tonight. He ended with 10 points. Warriors guard Stephen Curry (ankle) is not expected to play tonight.

Golden State will commence a six-game homestand Friday.

The Warriors and Nets split a pair of games last season. Golden State has won seven of the last nine meetings in this series but is only 2-11 in its last 13 contests in the Garden State.