Nets stumble late, Claxton stays hot; Edey could debut for Grizzlies; Heat press Jovic for consistency
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Nets
Brooklyn suffered another setback Friday in Orlando, squandering a season-best 16-point cushion built in the second quarter and letting a 98-94 edge slip away in the closing minutes. An 11-0 Magic surge sent the Nets to a 7-point defeat and a 1-11 record, leaving them level with Indiana and Washington for the league’s worst mark — and, for now, the top lottery odds in the 2026 draft.
Individually, center Nic Claxton continues to impress. Entering the game, the fourth-year big man was averaging career highs of 15.3 points and 3.7 assists while converting 73.6 percent at the foul line, also a personal best. Head coach Jordi Fernández credited the 25-year-old’s offseason work, adding that the challenge is to maintain that efficiency through an entire 82-game schedule.
Grizzlies
Zach Edey may finally see the floor. Memphis listed the 7-foot-4 rookie as questionable for Saturday’s visit to Cleveland, the clearest sign yet that he is nearing his first NBA appearance following June ankle surgery. The Grizzlies, losers of seven of their last eight and sitting at 4-9, believe Edey’s size and finishing ability around the rim will immediately alter opponents’ defensive schemes, according to head coach Tuomas Iisalo.
The club expects a gradual ramp-up because the 2024 draft pick missed both training camp and preseason. Even so, Memphis anticipates quick returns in rebounding and rim protection, especially alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. The Grizzlies will also have Ja Morant back after he sat out Wednesday with right ankle soreness, while rookie wing Cedric Coward is doubtful due to a sore right foot.
Heat
Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra is pushing third-year forward Nikola Jovic to translate occasional bursts into nightly production. The 22-year-old recently signed a four-year, $62.4 million extension, and Spoelstra said the next step is for Jovic to play every game with “purpose and force.”
With Bam Adebayo sidelined by a toe sprain, the Heat have started Andrew Wiggins at power forward and used Jovic as a small-ball center. Both players have embraced the temporary roles, with Wiggins stressing that he welcomes any challenge that keeps him on the floor. Miami fell 140-132 to the Knicks on Friday and dropped to 7-6.
Source: Hoops Wire
