Brooklyn Nets at Memphis Grizzlies
FedExForum
Memphis Grizzlies -7.5-112
LLostFinal 98-103
The read
TALE OF THE TAPE
Memphis Grizzlies Brooklyn Nets Record 16-22 ← 11-24 Off Rating 115.2 ← 109.1 Def Rating 116.6 → 114.2 Net Rating -3.8 ← -5.9 Bench PPG 46.5 ← 31.7 Key Injuries Morant (OUT) Porter Jr (OUT)
Gary's Take The decision by the Brooklyn Nets to rest Michael Porter Jr. on the front end of a back-to-back tells you everything you need to know about their priorities today. Porter Jr. isn't just a piece of their offense; he is the engine, accounting for nearly a third of their total points and providing the only consistent gravity for a team that already ranks dead last in offensive efficiency. Without his spacing and shot-making, Brooklyn is forced to rely on Cam Thomas as a primary creator, a role that often leads to high-volume, low-efficiency nights. Facing a Memphis defense anchored by Jaren Jackson Jr., who remains one of the premier rim protectors in the league, Brooklyn will find it incredibly difficult to generate clean looks in the half-court.
Memphis is dealing with their own skeleton crew roster, but the difference lies in their continuity and bench production. While the Grizzlies are missing Ja Morant and several key guards, Jaren Jackson Jr. has stepped up his offensive output, averaging over 21 points per game during this recent stretch. The Grizzlies also boast a significantly deeper bench, outscoring opponents' reserves by nearly 15 points per game compared to Brooklyn's second unit. In a game where both starting lineups are depleted, the depth of the Grizzlies' rotation becomes a massive structural advantage that usually manifests in the late third and early fourth quarters.
The stylistic clash also favors the home team. Memphis continues to push the ball at the league's fastest pace, looking to turn every defensive rebound into a transition opportunity. Brooklyn, led by rookie point guard Egor Demin, has struggled to maintain defensive discipline on the road and will likely be baited into the track-meet style that Memphis prefers. With Brooklyn's offense struggling to reach 100 points without their leading scorer, they simply don't have the firepower to keep up if this game reaches the average pace Memphis dictates. Expect Jaren Jackson Jr. to dominate the interior while the Memphis bench pulls away to cover the number. I am laying the points with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Injuries noted
Brooklyn Nets: Haywood Highsmith (Out) — Highsmith has yet to make his season debut as he recovers from right knee surgery he underwent in August. There remains no clear timetable for the 29-year-old forward's return to action, so he should be considered week-to-week until the Nets offer an update on his progress.; Ben Saraf (Questionable) — Knee; E.J. Liddell (Questionable) — Liddell has been a prominent player for Long Island in the G League, but he has just eight appearances at the NBA level this season for an average of 4.4 minutes per contest.; Michael Porter Jr. (Out) — Porter will sit for the front end of the Nets' back-to-back set Sunday, but he should be available for Monday's road tilt against the Mavericks. Danny Wolf and Cam Thomas are the top candidates to enter the Nets' starting lineup due to the absences of Porter, Drake Powell (knee) and Ziaire Williams (illness).; Drake Powell (Out) — Powell will miss the front end of this back-to-back set due to left knee injury management, and his next opportunity to play will come Monday against Dallas. With the rookie first-rounder being joined on the sidelines by Michael Porter (rest) and Ziaire Williams (illness), Jalen Wilson, Danny Wolf and Tyrese Martin are candidates for increased playing time.; Ziaire Williams (Out) — Williams appeared to be a healthy scratch during Friday's loss against the Clippers despite starting Wednesday against the Magic. He may have been held out of Friday's contest while battling an illness, and his next chance to play is Monday against the Mavericks. Michael Porter (rest) and Drake Powell (knee) are also ruled out against Memphis, so Danny Wolf and Cam Thomas are both in line for elevated roles.
Memphis Grizzlies: John Konchar (Questionable) — Konchar has missed the last 14 games for Memphis, and the questionable tag suggests he might have a shot at returning Sunday. Konchar hasn't played since Dec. 7 due to a torn UCL in his left thumb, and if he's cleared to return, he's likely to see minutes off the bench as a spot-up shooter.; Ja Morant (Out) — Morant will miss his fifth consecutive contest due to a right calf contusion, and his next opportunity to play will come Thursday against the Magic. With the Murray State product sidelined, Cam Spencer will likely remain in the starting five, while Vince Williams could see increased playing time.; Brandon Clarke (Out) — Clarke missed the first 26 games of the season recovering from a knee injury, and only appeared in one full game before straining his calf just four minutes into his second contest. Santi Aldama and Jock Landale will likely see increased roles as a result.; Zach Edey (Out) — Edey hasn't played since Dec. 7, and it's unclear when he'll be able to return to the hardwood. The big man, who's averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game this season, should be considered doubtful for the Grizzlies' next game against the Magic on Thursday. He's expected to be re-evaluated soon.; Ty Jerome (Out) — Jerome continues to rehab from a high-grade right calf strain that he suffered during the preseason. His initial timeline to return was four weeks, but the seventh-year pro needs more time to recover, and his updated timeline means he's unlikely to make his 2025-26 regular-season debut until the new year. Vince Williams and Cam Spencer will continue to see more playing time in the absences of Jerome, Ja Morant (calf) and Scotty Pippen (toe).; Scotty Pippen Jr. (Out) — Memphis' awful injury luck continues. Based on this timetable, the earliest possible return for Pippen will be around Jan. 11 against the Nets. Pippen was projected to be the third-string point guard behind Ja Morant (ankle) and Ty Jerome (calf) to open the season, opening the door for Cam Spencer or Javon Small to step up.
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- Board stored January 11, 2026 at 12:39 PM ET.
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Props on this game
2Cam ThomasOVER 19.5 Points Points-125
LActual 9
The line of 19.5 is a massive undervaluation of a player who becomes a one-man offense whenever Michael Porter Jr. sits out.
With MPJ's 26 points per game removed from the lineup, Thomas's usage rate spikes to a staggering 40%, ensuring he will see 20+ field goal attempts tonight. While he's recently dealt with a hamstring issue, the Nets' lack of alternative scoring options forces them to lean on Thomas for every critical possession.
The primary risk is a minutes restriction if the coaching staff remains cautious, but Thomas's scoring efficiency in a high-volume role typically clears 20 points even in 28 minutes of action. You bet this because the usage vacuum is simply too large for the books to price correctly, especially in a contract year where Thomas is motivated to put up numbers.
Santi AldamaOVER 6.5 Rebounds Rebounds-133
WActual 8
The market is hanging a 6.5 line on a player who has cleared this mark in four of his last five games and now steps into a massive rebounding void with Zach Edey sidelined. Aldama's 7.2 rebound average over the last week is no fluke, as he's being asked to anchor the glass for a Memphis team that lacks interior depth.
Tonight's matchup is a dream scenario, as the Brooklyn Nets are officially the worst rebounding team in the NBA, ranking 30th in boards per game. The risk is if Jaren Jackson Jr.
has a career-high rebounding night and siphons off the defensive boards, but the Nets' inability to box out creates enough second-chance opportunities for both. You bet this because the structural mismatch between the league's worst glass-cleaners and a starting-role Aldama is too wide to ignore.
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