Brooklyn Nets vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview: Ja Morant will play on Wednesday

A key lesson that most children learn as adults is that sometimes it doesn't matter whether you win or lose. What matters is the effort you put in. When you do something for money as a professional, the calculation changes, but sometimes it still applies.

The Nets sent this message to their fans and themselves on Tuesday at the basketball game against the Denver Nuggets. Despite suffering a brutal 144-139 overtime loss, the Nets still played well, even better than good. It took an outstanding performance from the Joker (29 points, 16 assists, 18 rebounds) to save the Nuggets against an opponent that was supposedly an inferior product. In fact, Nikola Jokic's numbers – 16/29/18 – have only been reached twice in NBA history, both times by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson.

For the Nets, the team's performance is helping to set new standards. There was more pressing all over the pitch and more players touching the ground. That and 3-point shooting. The team had a shooting percentage of 38.5%, and three players made four or more: Cam Johnson had six, Dennis Schroeder had five, and Ziaire Williams had four… on five attempts.

Tonight, the Nets travel to Memphis to face the Grizzlies, who have their own superstar, in the second half of the team's first back-to-back game.

Oh, and to all the NBA referees out there: CAM THOMAS DESERVES CALLS.

Where to see

Catch the action on the YES Network at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Injuries

For the Nets, Nic Claxton, still on his way back to full-time status, will be out twice, as was Ben Simmons last night. Day'Ron Sharpe (thigh) remains out, as does Bojan Bogdanovic (wrist). Trenton Watford (also hamstring injury) will also sit out but appears to be making progress according to Jordi Fernandez. No word on when we'll see him.

JUST IN: Colin Castleton, who attended the Long Island Nets Media Day with a G League contract, is now on the Memphis Grizzlies roster and signed a two-way contract shortly before the start of the game. No word if he's with the Grizzlies. (He could have gone on the Nets charter!)

The Grizzlies, hit by injuries for the second straight game, had Ja Morant (hamstring), Zach Edey (right calf) and Jon Konchar (foot) listed as questionable for most of Wednesday but are available and likely to play. Vince Williams, Luke Kennard and GG Jackson (all foot or leg injuries) are out. Nobody played this season.

The game,

Right knee pain prevented Morant from playing against the Chicago Bulls on Monday, and it was no surprise that the Grizzlies lost the game. No matter what you think of him, Morant is special and his impact on the Grizzlies is important for several reasons, starting with his presence. NBA fans are particularly impressed by Morant's athleticism and jumping ability, but it's his style of play that makes the Grizzlies successful. Without him, there is no one to lead the offense, and how can you succeed if you have no one to lead?

This is a big game for Ziaire Williams. It's his first game back in Memphis. The team that wanted to take him No. 10 in 2021 gave him away to the Nets as part of a salary cut so they could sign Luke Kennard.

While Kennard, signed to shoot 3-pointers, hasn't played yet, ZW has found new life in Brooklyn, averaging 10.3 points in under 19 minutes off the bench while shooting at a torrid pace , something Kennard and the Grizz can only dream of: 55.2% overall and 66.7% from deep, including 4 of 5 last night. Williams even gave the Grizzlies a low-key comment after the game, saying it was their shooting coach Anthony Carter who helped him fix a shooting error at the end of last season.

Cam Thomas could be in trouble with Marcus Smart on the other side. To combat this, Schroeder, Williams and Johnson will need to continue their hot shooting.

Player to keep an eye on

The Grizzlies have another weapon that can cause problems for the Nets. Desmond Bane, who scored 30 points in the loss to the Bulls, can finish like an NFL running back despite his stature.

He was the most reliable of the Grizzlies Big Three, whose other two members include Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. In fact, it was the first time that the three spoke together at their home opener last weekend. The three had played together for 295 days!

So far this season, the ever-reliable Bane has averaged 21 points on 49/40/89 splits.

From the safe

How about a tribute to Beale Street, Memphis' legendary center for culture and music, especially jazz? Here is Beale Street Blues by the legendary composer and lyricist WC Handy…

Enjoy!