Nets will be without Nic Claxton in the game against the Grizzlies

When the Nets face off against Memphis on Wednesday, they will be without the man who was arguably their best player.

Nic Claxton, still working to regain full fitness after missing all of preseason with a hamstring injury, will be rested against the Grizzlies.

“So basically part of the return is playing one at a time with your minutes and being careful with your body, and that was part of the plan,” head coach Jordi Fernandez said. “So he did a great job. He played those, those extra minutes at 26. Right now we need a good rest and recovery and then we will take the next step. So again, very, very happy with him.”

Claxton increased his minutes in every regular season game by coming off the bench.

He had 16 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks in Tuesday's 144-139 OT loss to Nikola Jokic before being fouled 26:09 minutes into the game.

Ben Simmons, who started at center with Claxton and backup Day'Ron Sharpe, suffered Tuesday's loss.

He is expected to return against the Grizzlies.

Trendon Watford will not play on Wednesday but could be back in the next few games.

Ziaire Williams played his first three seasons as the Grizzlies' lottery pick before being acquired as a salary move this offseason.

“I love these guys more than anything,” Williams said. “I'd be lying if I told you I didn't miss her. We're still talking. Shit, I just texted them.

“Yes, these are my boys. The coaching staff, the players, the fans. They show me nothing but love. So I'm definitely happy to go home for a little bit and be on the other side for a while and compete with my brothers. Yes, I'm looking forward to it. It will be a fun game. It will be hard, but it will be fun.”

Williams had 18 points on 7 of 8 shooting.

Even more encouraging, he was 4 of 5 from behind the arc and is 8 of 12 this season.

“It is [special] “I’m going back home,” said Dorian Finney-Smith. “We want to get it for him.”

Dennis Schroder (28 points, 14 assists) and Cam Thomas (26 points) have each scored over 20 points in the last three games.

According to Elias, they are the first Nets to start in the backcourt and do so since James Harden and Kyrie Irving in March 2021.

Schröder has scored more than 20 points and five or more assists in each of the last three games, his first since a career-best four in a row in the 2019-20 season.