NBA Notes: Nets, Nic Claxton, Grizzlies, Zach Edey, Heat

Nets

Brooklyn found a new low Friday in Orlando.

As Brian Lewis of The New York Post wrote, the Nets built their biggest lead of the season, going up 16 in the second quarter, and still managed to hand it back.

They led 98–94 late, then gave up an 11-0 run and walked off with a seven-point loss.

The silver lining is only a lottery one. At 1-11, the Nets remain tied with Indiana and Washington for the league’s worst record, giving all three clubs the best early odds ahead of the 2026 draft.

Anyway, while the on-court results are bleak, Nic Claxton continues to pop individually.

C.J. Holmes of The New York Daily News noted the starting center entered Friday averaging career highs in points (15.3) and assists (3.7), while shooting a career-best 73.6% from the line.

Head coach Jordi Fernandez likes what he’s seeing.

“Efficiency, true shooting, however you want to call it,” he said. “He’s got to sustain it for 82, but all his work is paying off.”

Grizzlies

Memphis could finally get Zach Edey back in the mix. The team listed him as questionable for Saturday in Cleveland, signaling the 7-foot-4 center may be nearing his season debut after June ankle surgery.

The Grizzlies need the help. They’ve dropped seven of eight and sit at 4-9.

Head coach Tuomas Iisalo suggested that Edey will change their geometry instantly.

“He’s a tremendous finisher around the rim, and he has a gravitational pull that forces defenders to help,” Iisalo said, via Michael Wallace of Grind City Media.

There will be a ramp-up period after Edey missed camp and preseason, but Memphis expects his rebounding, rim protection and pairing with Jaren Jackson Jr. to matter quickly.

Ja Morant will play Saturday after sitting Wednesday with a right ankle issue. Rookie wing Cedric Coward is doubtful with right foot soreness.

Heat

Erik Spoelstra wants more professionalism and consistency from third-year forward Nikola Jovic.

Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel wrote that Miami is pushing the 22-year-old — fresh off a four-year, $62.4 million extension — to turn sporadic flashes into nightly impact.

“When he plays with a force of will and an intention, it’s always starting with him,” Spoelstra said. “He’s made improvements. It’s still not where it needs to be… he’s young. But he’s getting there.”

With Bam Adebayo out with a toe sprain, Miami has been starting Andrew Wiggins at power forward and using Jovic as a small-ball five. Both are embracing it.

“As long as I can be out there competing, I just take on that challenge,” Wiggins said.

The Heat dropped a 140-132 decision to the Knicks on Friday, falling to 7-6.