Brooklyn recently lost to the Timberwolves in a heartbreaking fashion. If the Nets had made more of their three-pointers—they were only 6-for-36—the outcome could have been better for interim head coach Kevin Ollie.
The Nets will now play the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that has struggled mightily this season. Brooklyn has a fantastic chance to achieve its goal of qualifying for the Play-In Tournament, especially considering that they are only a few games behind the Atlanta Hawks.
Nets 3-PT% over last 8 games (attempts per game in parentheses):
Bridges: 33.3% (9.0)
Thomas: 31.9% (5.9)
Johnson: 27.3% (5.5)
Schroder: 33.3% (4.2)
Walker: 40.0% (3.3)
Finney-Smith: 21.4% (2.8)
Wilson: 64.3% (2.0)
Smith: 30.8% (1.6)Guess which player is out of the rotation…
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) February 25, 2024
The Grizzlies remain a threat
The Grizzlies have proven they are capable of competing with some of the top teams in the league despite having a long injury list. They demonstrated a few weeks ago that Brooklyn should not undervalue this team by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jaren Jackson Jr., the reigning defensive player of the year, is the best offensive and defensive talent in Memphis’s injured lineup. But several Grizzlies, like rookie GG Jackson and sophomore Vince Williams Jr., have developed quickly.
Considering how they shot themselves in the foot against the Timberwolves, Brooklyn still has some work to do. They could have easily defeated the top team in the Western Conference if they had been more consistent with their energy and could have made more shots from beyond the arc.
Nets duo this season:
Cam Thomas — Mikal Bridges —
21.2 PPG 21.7 PPG
2.0 3PM 2.6 3PM
36.4 3P% 37.1 3P% pic.twitter.com/zGHyzj8Muv— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 21, 2024
Report on injuries and suspensions
Ben Simmons is doubtful for this game due to a leg injury he sustained against the Timberwolves. Fortunately, the Brooklyn lineup remains intact, which helps maintain the team’s consistency.
Due to a right shoulder injury, standout player Ja Morant is sidelined for the entire Memphis basketball season. Desmond Bane, Ja’s backcourt partner, will be out until the end of March. The Grizzlies’ injured players include John Konchar, Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, and Scotty Pippen Jr. in addition to the starting backcourt.
