YES Network.com

Nets coach Lawrence Frank is on shaky ground, as is the NBA’s record for futility to start a season. It’s probably not the best way to go on a week-long West Coast road trip that features three games against teams that won at least 54 games last season.

But if you’re looking for some reasons for optimism for the trip, here’s some:

The Nets play better on the road. They held double-digit leads in four of their seven road games. Maybe with Devin Harris back and getting stronger they could close out some of those games. (Ok, two of those games were at Minnesota and Harris played that one and Charlotte. You can't have everything).

Also, this was the trip Harris emerged into an All-Star last year, leading the Nets to three wins and ending two long streaks against the Suns and Kings. Everyone knows what he’s capable of doing when healthy and in a groove. Maybe the Nets get lucky and it happens during this trip. He said he probably needs about three games to be his old self.

Shooting guard Courtney Lee is expected back at some point, maybe tomorrow against Denver. They’re calling him day-to-day but he went through practice before they flew to Denver.

Teams can totally overlook the Nets. Their coaches will tell them not to fall asleep on the Nets, that they’re dangerous, a wounded animal that wants to end their slide. But you never know if teams will mark this game down as a win and not bring the same intensity as if they were playing the Celtics, Cavaliers or Lakers.

Here are some negatives:

Harris and Lee, if he plays, aren't 100 percent. Brook Lopez sprained his ankle today. He’s also day-to-day, although he said he doesn't think it's that serious. If he's out, the Nets are in trouble.

These teams are pretty good and it's a safe bet that none of them want to be the team that loses to the Nets.

Anyway, here’s the trip

At Denver (9-4; 5-0 home)

The Nuggets, like the Nets, haven’t played since Saturday. But Denver isn’t flying across the country. They have been home for two days and are as confident as can be – not to mention talented – and they’re just waiting for that winless team.

Denver has destroyed its last three opponents at the Pepsi Center, including a 26-point romp of the Lakers. The average margin of victory at home is 16.4 points so this will be a tough one to get.

Harris should be able to play more minutes and the possible return of Lee should provide a boost. But the Nets have to try and slow down the game, keep the score manageable and make sure they get out to Denver’s shooters.

On a night when Carmelo Anthony was off – he shot 8-of-24 against the Nets on Nov. 4 – the Nuggets still scored 122 points, including 72 in the second half. He’s shooting 83-of-170 since (48.8 percent)

At Portland (10-5; 5-2 home)

People tend to forget about the Blazers because of where they play, but they matched Denver with 54 wins last season and should continue to get better. The numbers for Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge are down from last season. It could be because Greg Oden is healthy and playing well (10.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.33 blocks) and Andre Miller is providing some scoring off the bench.

The Blazers are extremely talented yet beatable despite winning four straight at home. They’ve lost to Atlanta twice, Houston, Denver and Golden State. But the flip side is they’ve beaten most of the teams they should have – Minnesota three times, Memphis, Charlotte.

Either way, it’s going to take some effort for the Nets, especially if Lopez is banged up.

At Sacramento (5-7; 4-2 home)

The most winnable game, but the Kings are doing much better than expected, especially considering they lost Kevin Martin to a broken wrist in the fifth game of the season and then won four straight.

No way the Kings’ roster is better than the Nets' roster either, which won’t help the argument to keep Lawrence Frank. The Kings have Tyreke Evans, Donte Green, Beno Udrih, Jason Thompson, Andres Nocioni and Omri Casspi playing the bulk of the minutes with Kenny Thomas and Sergio Rodriguez getting time. Credit coach Paul Westphal for stepping back in after a long absence and getting his guys to play and win when no one thought they would.

Still, this is the game the Nets have to have and provided they’re not stuffed from Thanksgiving or don’t overlook the Kings – lord knows they shouldn’t overlook NJIT – they should get this one. They have better players and should be desperate to get that win.

At Lakers (9-3; 7-2 home)

We have just closed the cabin door. We hope you have enjoyed your stay in the Los Angeles area. Sit back, relax and enjoy your 5-hour and 20-minute flight home.

COMMENTARY: The Nets don't want to tie the all-time mark of 0-17. They can win at Sacramento and maybe Portland. Our guess is they at least get Sacramento. A 2-2 trip would be a great trip all things considered, 1-3 means the record and Frank are safe for now. If the Nets drop all four Frank probably will be unemployed.

Al Iannazzone covers the Nets for The Record (Bergen County, N.J.)