The Nets breathed a sigh of relief as Ben Simmons, initially questionable with a sore left leg, played 15 crucial minutes in a decisive 111-86 victory over the Grizzlies on Monday. Having left Saturday’s game early due to the leg issue, Simmons’ status remained uncertain until just before tipoff when he cleared pregame warm-ups.
Given Simmons’ injury-prone history, marked by a herniated disc and subsequent leg problems, any health concerns with the point guard become amplified. This game marked only his 57th appearance for the Nets, with 15 games played this season since his acquisition in the 2022 trade deadline for former MVP James Harden. Despite finishing the night with four points, six rebounds, and three assists, Simmons’ durability remains a focal point for the team.
Meanwhile, center Nic Claxton has seen a dip in productivity over recent weeks. Coach Kevin Ollie emphasized the need for Claxton to excel in rebounding, shot-blocking, and maintaining a strong defensive presence. Ollie expressed confidence that Claxton, a supreme athlete, could bounce back by focusing on these key aspects of his game.
The Nets, reeling from their worst three-game stretch since joining the NBA, were outscored by an alarming 93 points in their previous games, averaging a staggering 31-point deficit per night. Their offense struggled to break the 90-point mark, averaging just 85 points in the three blowout losses.
In terms of injuries, Dariq Whitehead was the sole absence due to a left shin stress reaction. Notably, rookies Noah Clowney, Keon Johnson, and two-way player Jaylen Martin are with G-League Long Island.
While the Nets were relatively healthy, the Memphis Grizzlies resembled a makeshift hospital, missing key players like Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, John Konchar, and Ja Morant due to various injuries.
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