The Nets suffered a setback with Cam Johnson’s injury just before their matchup against the Raptors.

The Brooklyn Nets will face the Toronto Raptors on Monday with a depleted roster, as both Cam Johnson (left big toe sprain) and Dennis Smith Jr. (right shin stress reaction) have been ruled out, according to an announcement from the team on Sunday.

Johnson sustained his toe injury during Saturday’s game against the New York Knicks. Despite signing a lucrative four-year, $94.5 million contract this summer, the 6-foot-8 forward has encountered challenges staying healthy throughout the season.

Johnson’s injury woes began in the preseason when he strained his left hamstring just before training camp commenced, causing him to miss all preseason games. Upon his return, he suffered a left calf strain in the season opener, leading to a seven-game absence. Subsequently, he missed four games due to a left adductor injury in late January and was sidelined for three games earlier in March due to an ankle sprain.

Despite his efforts, Johnson has yet to fully justify Brooklyn’s significant investment in him. In 55 appearances, the former lottery pick has averaged 13.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 45% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 78% from the free-throw line.

Smith’s absence deals a significant blow to a Nets team that is already struggling with energy levels. Despite signing for the minimum this offseason, the 25-year-old has been a vital contributor off the bench in Brooklyn’s backcourt. Smith has provided an average of 6.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in just 19.2 minutes per game across 55 appearances.

Despite his limited outside shooting, Dennis Smith Jr. has solidified his reputation as one of the NBA’s premier point-of-attack defenders. The North Carolina State alum leads all point guards in defensive estimated plus-minus (+3.0) this season, according to DunksandThrees.com.

With both Johnson and Smith unavailable, the Nets will likely rely on rookie second-round pick Jalen Wilson to step up and contribute off the bench. Wilson, who earned unanimous Big-12 Player of the Year honors in 2023, has showcased his defensive tenacity, rebounding prowess, and ability to stretch the floor in his limited playing time this season. Recognizing his potential, Brooklyn converted Wilson’s two-way contract into a three-year standard deal earlier in the year.

In addition to Cam Johnson and Dennis Smith Jr., Keita Bates-Diop will also be sidelined for the Raptors matchup due to a right shin stress reaction. Despite being acquired by the Nets at the deadline in a trade for Royce O’Neale, the 28-year-old forward has struggled to secure a spot in Brooklyn’s rotation, averaging just 4.8 minutes per game over 14 appearances.

The Nets’ fortunes have continued to decline in the standings following the decision by general manager Sean Marks to replace Jacque Vaughn with interim head coach Kevin Ollie during the All-Star break. Under Ollie’s leadership, Brooklyn has posted a disappointing 5-12 record and ranks 24th in offense over 17 games.

A six-game losing streak has further compounded the Nets’ woes, dropping their record to 26-45 and leaving them five and a half games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the Eastern Conference’s final play-in spot with 11 games remaining. Despite their depleted roster, the Nets will aim to end their losing streak against a Raptors team currently mired in a league-worst 10-game skid.