First they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo, then the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic went to overtime. Yes, the Brooklyn Nets tank is still active, but so far it hasn't been a bad week for the good guys. Dennis Schroder, who has played for seven teams but wants to stay in Brooklyn, has been a revelation in trying to convince Sean Marks to keep him. He was also the subject of a documentary. Cam Thomas more than delivers on his promise to score 25 points per game when he gets the ball – he certainly has – AND the Nets lead the league in players wearing t-shirts under their jerseys Cam Johnson, Keon Johnson, Dariq Whitehead and Ziaire Williams all don the utility underwear. (Don't @me. It's an informal survey!)

So tonight it's the Memphis Grizzlies and another superstar, Ja Morant. Morant was questionable this afternoon with a sore hamstring and was then declared available at game time. Morant will likely have one former teammate in mind tonight, whether he's dressed or not. Ziaire Williams was Williams' self-professed guy, someone he didn't want to see traded, but it's a Memphis-to-Brooklyn deal that looks like a bargain at first glance. In fact, Williams wants to emphasize to his former employers that they denied him salary!

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Game 5 | Oct 30 | Record: 1-3

• TIME: 8:00 p.m. ET
• OPPOSITION: Memphis Grizzlies (2-2)
• Turn on: JA Network on TV; WFAN on the radio.

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Game preview | Jordan Greene

Injuries

For the Nets, Nic Claxton, still on his way back to full-time status, will be out twice, as was Ben Simmons last night. Day'Ron Sharpe (thigh) remains out, as does Bojan Bogdanovic (wrist). Trenton Watford (also hamstring injury) will also sit out but appears to be making progress according to Jordi Fernandez. No word on when we'll see him.

The Grizzlies, hit by injuries for the second straight game, had Ja Morant (hamstring), Zach Edey (right calf) and Jon Konchar (foot) listed as questionable for most of Wednesday but are available and likely to play. Vince Williams, Luke Kennard and GG Jackson (all foot or leg injuries) are out. Nobody played this season.

JUST IN: Colin Castleton, who attended the Long Island Nets Media Day with a G League contract, is now on the Memphis Grizzlies roster and signed a two-way contract shortly before the start of the game. No word if he's with the Grizzlies. (He could have gone on the Nets charter!)

The game

No matter what you think of him, Ja Morant is special, and his impact on the Grizzlies is important for several reasons, starting with his presence. NBA fans are particularly impressed by Morant's athleticism and jumping ability, but it's his style of play that makes the Grizzlies successful. Without him, there is no one to lead the offense, and how can you succeed if you have no one to lead?

That is a large Game for Ziaire Williams, who has found new life in Brooklyn, averaging 10.3 points in under 19 minutes off the bench while shooting at a blistering pace that Kennard and the Grizz can only dream of: 55.2 % overall and 66.7% from distance, including 4-of-5 last night.

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