1985–86 New Jersey Nets season

The 1985–86 New Jersey Nets season was the Nets' tenth season in the NBA. After starting the first half of the season strong with a 23–14 record, the Nets lost star Micheal Ray Richardson due to a lifetime ban from the NBA due to repeated drug offenses and Darryl Dawkins to injuries, and then stumbled and went 16–29, finishing with a 39–43 record and barely making it into the playoffs.

Roster

 * Roster notes
 * The Nets let F Rod Higgins's 10-day contract expire.
 * C Yvon Joseph was waived after playing 1 game in the NBA.
 * G Micheal Ray Richardson received a lifetime ban on February 25 after he violated the league's drug policy three times.

Playoffs

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 * 1
 * April 18
 * @ Milwaukee
 * L 107–119
 * Buck Williams (27)
 * Buck Williams (14)
 * Birdsong, Cook (7)
 * MECCA Arena 11,052
 * 0–1
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 * 2
 * April 20
 * @ Milwaukee
 * L 97–111
 * Mike Gminski (28)
 * Mike Gminski (13)
 * Darwin Cook (7)
 * MECCA Arena 11,052
 * 0–2
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 * 3
 * April 22
 * Milwaukee
 * L 113–118
 * Otis Birdsong (28)
 * Buck Williams (10)
 * Kelvin Ransey (4)
 * Brendan Byrne Arena 7,784
 * 0–3